Almost 600 social workers have been directly employed by Health & Social Care Trusts in the 18 months since agency recruitment was ceased.

Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald has today presented the Executive’s Draft Budget launching a 12-week consultation giving the public the opportunity to have their say.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched a consultation on a new Fuel Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland and new energy efficiency scheme for low-income, vulnerable households.

The Department of Health is reminding the public that timely discharge from hospital is better for patients and can help deliver hospital care to those who need it most.

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced that a number of public engagement events for the Active Travel Delivery Plan will commence in the new year.