Well done to Shannon from NI Youth Forum talking about her experience with homelessness. What an incredible and articulate young woman.

Huge admiration for Colin McGrath 🇺🇦 who is committed to giving the youth their voice in this Assembly following years of experience in the youth sector.

All the very best of luck to Cllr. Lilian Seenoi Barr (MRS BARR)-SDLP in the year ahead. She cares deeply about Derry, Strabane and all its people.

Maith thú, enjoy every minute!

The SDLP

There was blood everywhere, but 9-yr-old Seán Slane sat holding his father’s hand & begging him to wake up. He didn’t know Gerard was already dead. The Legacy Act stops an inquest due to take place into the UDA murder. 'It’s a punch in the gut” Seán says⬇️
belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/…

Last week I met Speakers for Schools on how young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in NI aren’t getting the same access to work experience opportunities.

I asked the Economy Minister will he work with the Education Minister on a joint action plan to tackle this?

The SDLP

A huge pleasure CC Dog Rescue, you’re doing incredible work helping hundreds of vulnerable abused dogs. ❤️

Scratch the surface on animal welfare in the North and you will be shocked!

1000 incidents in Causeway Coast & Glens alone in the last 3 years alone.

I’ll be demanding action from the DAERA Minister to relook at the entire process of animal abuse/welfare here.

Warm vibes and photo-opps are one thing, but the public expects an actual plan fron the Executive.

They haven't got one yet.

My piece in the The Irish News👇
irishnews.com/news/northern-…

2 issues next week from The SDLP that matter greatly to my constituents.

One local. 🏡
One international. 🇵🇸🕊️

Delighted they’re included in Assembly business next week.

Loneliness can impact anyone at any age. Young or old.

I welcome this motion today raising loneliness in our society and will be voting in support of it. ✅

Helped a constituent with a PIP form this morning, it’s such a dehumanising process. Forced to divulge in-depth your most intimate details to afford to live. Disgraceful process.

Never ever forget the parties who voted this in via welfare reform 2015. DUP, Sinn Féin & Alliance.

Thank God it’s Friday!
Have a good one folks☀️

👪Free Childcare Advice Session👪
Want some advice? We have teamed up with Employers For Childcare to offer an advice session at my Consistency Office at 📍 1 Bellhouse Lane Coleraine on Thursday 23rd May 2024 between 10am and 15.30.

To book an appointment call:
028 7034 8933 📞

On the big ideas for renegotiating the Fiscal framework and revenue raising (which the Executive mow admits it is examining after first denying it) this document is totally silent.

Again no vision, it simply allocates money without strategy.

Or, as in this para, 'alcoates'.

As for other agreed priorities. Childcare support has been described as a priority by all the Executive.

They have allocated... a paltry £25m, which as MeltedParentsNI note, amounts to half an hour a month per NI child.

It isn't clear what it's even funding so feels tokenistic

On health, the urgent priority for public services had to be tackling the rolling crisis in the NHS.

There are legitimate debates about balancing health vs other needs, but to be clear: both SF and DUP explicitly promised an extra £1bn for health.

They havent delivered it.

Some thoughts on a missed opportunity Budget.

While acknowledging the fiscal position the Executive is in, and the squeeze of high inflation and UK austerity, the Budget statement is abysmally weak on prioritisation, clarity and far short of Executive parties promised.

Thread..

Alliance raises serious concerns over proposed budget allocations.

Alliance ministers support the budget in the Executive.

Not sure what the craic is here?

📣 NEWRY EVENT 📣
7-9pm | Thursday 16.05.24 | Canal Court Hotel, Newry

Join us for an in-conversation event with Noelle O’Connell, CEO of European Movement Ireland European Movement Ireland

Register via:

eventbrite.com/e/towards-a-ne…

Today's budget shows the Executive has no idea what their priorities are or how to save our public services.

Health waiting lists, childcare, the cost of living - we are no clearer on how the Executive plans to solve these issues.

Matthew O'Toole

sdlp.ie/executive_budg…