This week

Party Leader Arlene Foster welcomed the confirmation of an opening date for the Victims Payments Scheme.
- Condemned the arson attack at the home of a serving police officer.
- Praised the commitment of young people as she visited Rathfriland High School who were marking the school’s 60th anniversary and the centenary of Northern Ireland.

Deputy Leader Lord Dodds said the description of the NI Protocol as a “brutal deviation” from the Belfast Agreement should be a wake-up call for the pro-Protocol parties
- Said the Republic of Ireland’s failure to share passenger data risks the spread of Covid-19 to the UK.
- Spoke out against the sweeping abortion regulations imposed on Northern Ireland.
- Urged government action to prevent avoidable births of children with neural tube defects.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds announced details of her High Street Stimulus Scheme with adults in NI able to apply for a £100 voucher
- Welcomed learners in some close contact subjects back to onsite learning at further education colleges.
- Said apprenticeships offer opportunities and can be a key part of economic recovery.
- Highlighted the important role the North West will play in rebuilding th economy during a series of visits in the area.
- Welcomed the easing of lockdown restrictions on visits to Belfast and Portadown as retail, outdoor hospitality and some tourist accomodation reopened.
- Announced the return of more learners to further education colleges.

Agriculture & Environment Minister Edwin Poots made a statement to the Assembly on the devastating wildfire in the Mournes. This followed his visit to the scene over the weekend. He also called on people to act responsibily and remain vigilant.
- Visited Castlewellan Forest Park to view progress on work awarded grant funding from his Department.
- Visited a new large woodland creation project near Stanocum, funded by his Department.
- Visited two Co Down businesses benefitting from the Rural Micro Business Growth Scheme.
- Announced a £3.45million support scheme for Glenelly farmers.
- Signalled the introduction of a support package for potato farmers impacted by a reduction in demand due to Covid lockdown measures.

Education Minister Peter Weir visited youth centres in North Belfast and Newtownabbey to meet youth workers and discuss recent unrest.
- Cut the first sod on the new school build for Elmgrove Primary School in Belfast.

North Antrim MP Ian Paisley highlighted evidence from a witness to the NI Affairs Committee who confirmed the NI protocol potentially untermines the intergrity of UK food security.

North Belfast MLA William Humphrey said the NI Assembly had an opportunity to take a clear stand on anti-Semitism ahead of a DUP debate to endorse the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of anti-Semitism.

East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson said veterans who served in Northern Ireland should not be ‘second class’ soldiers.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart again challeged the Government on the imposition of abortion legislation on Northern Ireland.
- Called on the Health Minister to reassess the rules on care home visitation.

North Down MLA Alex Easton said everyone who supports Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom must promote the benefits of the Union.

North Antrim MLA Mervyn Storey condemned the arson attack at the home of a police officer.

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell raised the issue of access to ‘free to use’ ATMs.

Party Leader announces intention to step down

This week