Patsy McGlone MLA for Mid Ulster

 
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2013

May

15th May 2013

McGlone Welcomes ‘Stop the MS Lottery’ Campaign

SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster, Patsy McGlone, attended a reception at Stormont recently held by the Multiple Sclerosis Society as part of MS Week 2013. The reception was held to mark the launch of the MS Society’s campaign Stop the MS Lottery...more

14th May 2013

McGlone Requests Urgent Meeting Over Suspension Of Road Works During G8

SDLP Economy Spokesperson and Chairman of the Enterprise Trade and Investment Committee at Stormont, Patsy McGlone has requested a meeting with the Minister for Regional Development over the suspension of road works in Northern Ireland during the G8 summit...more

11th May 2013

McGlone Condemns Those Behind ‘Reckless’ Pipe Bomb

SDLP MLA for Mid-Ulster Patsy McGlone has condemned those who planted a pipe bomb under a car in a built up area in Cookstown...more

9th May 2013

McGlone: Broadband Accessibility Still Not Good Enough

SDLP MLA for Mid-Ulster Patsy McGlone has asked the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development to improve broadband accessibility in the Loughshore area of east Tyrone and down into south Derry as a matter of urgency...more

8th May 2013

McGlone accuses Finance Minister of destructive distraction politics

SDLP Economy Spokesperson Patsy McGlone has said ‘those out of work, those on reduced hours, those facing pay and pensions freezes and those losing sleep with the fear of looming welfare cuts will take little comfort that their Finance Minister’s priorities are flags, flags and more flags’...more

3rd May 2013

McGlone Congratulates Specialist Joinery Group On Expansion

SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone has congratulated a specialist joinery group in Maghera which has created 35 full-time jobs. Mr McGlone who is the chair of the Enterprise Trade and Investment Committee at Stormont said: “I am delighted that this excellent family-run specialist joinery company is continuing to go from strength to strength and creating 35 full-time jobs for the people of Maghera...more

April

29th April 2013

McGlone: Horizon 2020 A European Opportunity For Local Business

SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster Patsy McGlone led a cross-party delegation, from the Assembly Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, to Brussels to lobby for access to the Horizon 2020 fund which will run between 2014 and 2020. The fund, up to €80billion, will provide investment in research, innovation and development, and combines all research and innovation funding currently provided through the Framework Programmes for Research and Technical Development, the innovation related activities of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology...more

24th April 2013

Mobile Operators Must Do More to Improve Rural Coverage - McGlone

SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster Patsy McGlone has said that mobile phone companies must do more to improve existing poor mobile coverage in rural areas. The Mid Ulster MLA, who chairs the Assembly’s Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee, was speaking after representatives of the main mobile operators, EE, O2, Vodafone and Three, appeared in front of the committee, on Thursday 18 April, to discuss the introduction of 4G...more

24th April 2013

Assembly Must Protect Cancer Patients From Welfare Cuts - McGlone

SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster Patsy McGlone has said that the Assembly must ensure that cancer patients are protected from cuts to the welfare system. The SDLP MLA made the comments after Macmillan Cancer Support warned that around 75% of patients are, on average, nearly £300 worse off a month following diagnosis...more

18th April 2013

McGlone: Creative Economic Solutions Needed To Tackle Unemployment

SDLP Economy spokesperson Patsy McGlone has said urgent steps to stimulate the Northern Irish Economy must be brought forward in light of unemployment figures released yesterday.

Mr McGlone who is the chair of the Enterprise Trade and Investment Committee at Stormont was speaking after the Committee heard from DETI Permanent Secretary David Sterling on the issue of Corporation Tax:  “I am extremely disheartened though unsurprised at the figures released yesterday which show unemployment has risen in Northern Ireland to 8.4% which is 1.5% higher than last year’s figure...more

17th April 2013

McGlone: Dairy Sector Must Be Protected And Promoted

SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone has asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to promote and support the dairy sector.

Mr McGlone was speaking during Assembly questions on Monday:  “The dairy sector will come under growing pressure when milk quotas end in 2015 and it is imperative that the Minister balances that change. I am also mindful of the effect CAP reform proposals may have on the dairy sector...more

16th April 2013

McGlone: Supermarkets Must Fully Address Differential Fuel Prices

SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone has called on the major supermarket outlets to clarify today’s announcement of a reduction in fuel duty by 2p a litre.

Mr McGlone who is the Chair of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee who last week questioned the disparity in pricing between supermarkets and even within the same supermarket brand:  “My committee colleagues and I have been extremely alarmed at figures we received which demonstrate differential pricing policies when it comes to fuel...more

11th April 2013

McGlone: What Is Plan B For The Economy?

SDLP MLA Economy spokesperson Patsy McGlone has responded to a report which suggests that in respect of corporation tax the Executive has put ‘all its eggs in one basket’ and has no plan B for economic growth...more

March

29th March 2013

Job Advertisement: Constituency Manager

Constituency Manager in the Office of SDLP MLA, Patsy McGlone

An opportunity for the position of Constituency Manager has arisen in the office of SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone based in Cookstown, Co Tyrone...more

26th March 2013

McGlone: Sky high energy costs crippling businesses

SDLP Economy Spokesperson and Chair of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee Patsy McGlone has said sky high electricity prices are threatening existing manufacturing jobs and are a barrier to the creation of new jobs. He also warned that any cut in energy prices for businesses should not be passed on via a price hike to the ordinary customer...more

20th March 2013

McGlone: Urgent Action Required On Unemployment Figures

SDLP Economy Spokesperson and Chair of the ETI Committee, Patsy McGlone has expressed his concern at figures which show unemployment in Northern Ireland is at its highest in 15 years.

Mr McGlone was speaking after the ETI Committee agreed to invite representatives from Price Waterhouse Cooper (“PWC”) to come before the committee to discuss a recent PWC report. Mr McGlone said:  “I am dismayed that we are seeing unemployment rates at their highest since 1998 and a record high level of unemployment among 18-24 year olds...more

13th March 2013

McGlone criticises First Minister for tourism snub

SDLP Economy Spokesperson and Chair of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee, Patsy McGlone has criticised the First Minister for snubbing an iconic Tourism Ireland Global Greening event in Rio and has called on him to put the needs of our local tourism industry ahead of the interests of the DUP...more

11th March 2013

McGlone Thanks Mid Ulster Voters

SDLP Mid Ulster Candidate for Westminster Patsy McGlone has thanked voters in Mid Ulster for their increased support in the recent By-Election.

The Mid Ulster MLA said, “My thanks go to all the voters in Mid Ulster who made the effort to exercise their democratic right to vote and registered their support for the SDLP in the Mid Ulster By-Election...more

5th March 2013

McGlone: Send Pro-Europe Message to British Government

SDLP Mid Ulster Candidate for Westminster Patsy McGlone has urged the voters to send a strong pro-European message to the British Government. The Mid Ulster MLA was speaking in Cookstown during the final stages of the Westminster By-Election campaign. Voting will take place on Thursday 7th March.

Mr McGlone said, “The Mid Ulster By-Election gives local voters an opportunity to send a strong pro-Europe message to the British Government. After their poor performance in the last English by-election, the pressure is on the Tories to move even further to the right in their opposition to Europe. This by-election gives Mid Ulster voters the chance to demonstrate that they appreciate being a part of the European project. Rural communities across the island of Ireland benefit from the close co-operation that exists between European nations within the EU...more

4th March 2013

MCDONNELL: MCGLONE A ‘FEARLESS ADVOCATE’ FOR THE PEOPLE OF MID-ULSTER

SDLP Leader Dr. Alasdair has urged the people of Mid-Ulster to vote for the future, not the tribal politics of the past, in Thursdays Westminster by-election.

Speaking after canvassing with Patsy McGlone MLA in Coalisland this weekend, Dr. McDonnell said:  “The SDLP is upfront and honest about what we are standing for in this election. Patsy McGlone is focused firmly on building a better future for everyone in Mid-Ulster - creating jobs, supporting local businesses, standing up for farming families and rural communities and protecting the most vulnerable from savage welfare cuts...more

February

25th February 2013

McGlone: Strong Voice in Westminster Essential to Defend Vulnerable from Cuts

SDLP Mid Ulster Candidate for Westminster Patsy McGlone has warned that a strong voice in Westminster is essential to defend the vulnerable in our society. The Mid Ulster MLA was speaking in Coalisland during campaigning in the Westminster By-Election.

Mr McGlone said, “The Tory government are leading the charge for welfare cuts, if they go unchallenged in Westminster thousands of local people will lose their benefits...more

25th February 2013

McGlone Calls for United Approach on Agri-Food Sector

SDLP Mid Ulster Candidate for Westminster Patsy McGlone has called for a united and strategic approach to help sustain and build the agri-food sector of the economy. The Mid Ulster MLA was speaking in Magherafelt during the Westminster By-Election campaign. Voting will take place on Thursday 7th March...more

23rd February 2013

McGlone: Economic Recovery Priority for Mid Ulster

SDLP Mid Ulster Candidate for Westminster Patsy McGlone has warned that Mid Ulster needs a Member of Parliament who will actively work to deliver investment and jobs to the area. The Mid Ulster MLA was speaking to a group of party supporters in Cookstown.

Mr McGlone said, “The Mid Ulster constituency has been under-served by MPs who have failed to deliver the necessary investment and jobs our local economy needs...more

22nd February 2013

McGlone: Airtricity price hike ‘deeply concerning’

SDLP MLA for Mid-Ulster Patsy McGlone and Chair of the Enterprise Trade and Investment Committee has criticised the decision by gas supplier Airtricity to raise gas prices by 8.7%...more

22nd February 2013

McGlone slams Minister over mapping system failure

SDLP MLA for Mid-Ulster Patsy McGlone has hit out at the difficulties inherent in the new mapping system for farming families.

Mr McGlone was speaking following a visit this morning to Draperstown farmers market:  “I was deeply concerned to hear that farmers and their families have no confidence whatsoever in the mapping system brought forward by the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle O’Neill...more

21st February 2013

SDLP calls for independent inquiry into wrongful Gormley dismissal

SDLP Assembly Members Patsy McGlone and John Dallat have welcomed the apology made to Declan Gormley by the Department of Regional Development for his wrongful sacking from the board of Northern Ireland Water Limited and have called for an independent inquiry into the dismissal...more

19th February 2013

McGlone: Much more work required to grow the green economy

SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone has emphasised the need to grow the green economy. He was speaking during an Assembly Debate yesterday on the importance of supporting the growth in the Sustainable Energy Sector.

Mr McGlone who is the Chair of the ETI Committee at Stormont said:  “The Committee is very encouraged about the potential for growth in the green economy. We welcome the progress and work on renewable energy that the Executive has completed to date, but so much more needs to be done...more

18th February 2013

McGlone: Mid-Ulster needs new politics to rebuild

SDLP Candidate for the Mid Ulster By-Election, Patsy McGlone, has called for the people of Mid Ulster to seize the opportunity for a new politics that will focus on the real issues affecting local families not on a sectarian squabble...more

15th February 2013

McGlone: Joint unionist candidate fuels sectarian divide

SDLP candidate for the Mid Ulster by-election Patsy McGlone has hit out at the decision of the DUP and UUP to field an agreed candidate, Nigel Lutton at the election on 7 March. Mr Lutton is a son of a former RUC reservist shot dead by the IRA in 1979.

Mr McGlone said:  “The leaders of Unionism have made a decision which has the potential to reduce the Mid Ulster by-election into a bitter sectarian squabble. It demonstrates an ever-increasing sense of political narrow mindedness by Peter Robinson and Mike Nesbitt...more

12th February 2013

McGlone pushes Minister on Green New Deal

SDLP MLA for Mid-Ulster Patsy McGlone has spoken about the benefits of the proposals in the Green New Deal. Mr McGlone who is Chair of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee was speaking during an Assembly debate yesterday on the Budget Bill.

The Mid Ulster MLA said:  “I was extremely disappointed that an economic evaluation and appraisal carried out by the Department for Social Development (DSD) seemed to have ruled out The Green New Deal. This is a package of policy proposals that will address the impact of global warming and financial crises...more

11th February 2013

McGlone: SDLP listening to concerns of local businesses

SDLP Economy spokesperson Patsy McGlone has conducted a survey of local businesses in his Mid Ulster constituency to hear, directly, their concerns about the current economic situation and the Executive’s response.

The Mid Ulster MLA contacted 1300 local businesses and received responses on a wide variety of issues. Speaking afterwards Mr McGlone said: “If the Executive is to provide real assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises in this difficult economic climate then they must listen to those businesses...more

4th February 2013

McGlone raises concerns with Ulster Bank

SDLP Economy spokesperson Patsy McGlone highlighted a number of concerns in a meeting with representatives of Ulster Bank on 1st February. The Mid Ulster MLA arranged the meeting to discuss the bank’s response to the on-going economic difficulties and other issues...more

1st February 2013

McGlone Raises Agriculture Issues and CAP Reform With Minister Coveney

A SDLP delegation met with Minister Coveney TD, Minister for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the Republic of Ireland, at a Common Agricultural Policy Reform Seminar in Loughrey College, Cookstown.

Mid Ulster MLA, Patsy McGlone, said “I asked Minister Coveney what he could do as Irish Agricultural Minister to help All Island Agriculture interests and Rural Development maximise its potential during the CAP Reform Negotiations that are being held during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU. In particular I want to know what could be done within the negotiations to get regional variation for the North because our agricultural interests are more closely associated with the patterns of agriculture across the Island..
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January

31st January 2013

McGlone condemns cowardly threat on Lagan Group Boss

SDLP Economy spokesperson Patsy McGlone has hit out at the reckless and thoughtless people responsible for sending a bullet to the Chief Executive of the Lagan Group.

Mr McGlone who is also Chair of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee at Stormont said:  “I want to utterly condemn the cowardly act of those who sent a bullet in the post to Kevin Lagan, Chief Executive of the Lagan Group...more

30th January 2013

McGlone: Equality key to local government reform

SDLP Mid-Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone said equality must be the cornerstone of any reform of local government and equality of treatment must be enshrined in legislation.

He made his comments following an SDLP Assembly debate calling on the Executive to help finance the upfront costs of reform to prevent the burden being passed on to rate payers across the north...more

28th January 2013

McGlone: DSD should look at Green Deal

SDLP Economy and Energy spokesperson Patsy McGlone has called on the Minister for Social Development to look at offering the Green Deal launched today in England and Wales, to homeowners in the north...more

28th January 2013

McGlone to meet banking staff over closures

SDLP Chair of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee Patsy McGlone will lead a party delegation tomorrow to meet with the Irish Bank Officials’ Association to discuss the impact on staff and services of recently announced branch closures.

The Mid Ulster MLA requested the meeting with the IBOA after he was contacted by people, especially those living in more rural areas, concerned about branch closures...more

24th January 2013

MCGLONE SELECTED AS MID-ULSTER WESTMINSTER CANDIDATE

SDLP Mid-Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone was tonight selected as the party’s candidate for the Mid-Ulster Westminster by-election.  The selection convention took place at 7:30pm in the Central Inn in Cookstown.

Addressing party members Mr McGlone said: "It is always an honour to stand as a candidate under the great name and tradition of the SDLP; a party that has always stood up for what is right and has always stood up for the people...more

22nd January 2013

McGlone: An independent Consumer Council benefits everyone

SDLP economy spokesperson, Patsy McGlone, has said that the work of the Consumer Council of Northern Ireland is deeply valued and shows the worth of a body independent of government to protect consumer interests.

The Mid Ulster MLA, who is also chair of the Assembly Enterprise Trade and Investment committee, was speaking after the Consumer Council launched its report on the impact of the rising cost of food on NI customers...more

22nd January 2013

McGlone: McCausland’s DLA assessment changes will hurt thousands

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has expressed concern about the Social Development Minister’s decision to reduce the minimum mobility requirement to qualify for Personal Independence Payments (PIPs)...more

18th January 2013

McGlone: Flag crisis crippling the hospitality industry

SDLP Economy spokesperson Patsy McGlone has expressed his anger that up to 300 jobs could be lost in the hospitality industry as a result of on-going disruption around the flag protests...more

16th January 2013

McGlone: Ulster Bank needs to clarify closures’ affect on staff

SDLP Chair of the Assembly’s Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee Patsy McGlone has said Ulster Bank needs to immediately clarify how today’s announcement on bank closures will directly affect staff and customers.

The Mid Ulster MLA was speaking after Ulster Bank announced which 11 branches and sub-offices across the north are to close...more

15th January 2013

McGlone Criticises DSD Underspend on New Build Housing

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has criticised the Social Development Minister after it was revealed that £15million of the department’s budget earmarked for new-build housing had been returned to the Department of Finance...more

15th January 2013

McGlone: Prompt model of payment to sub-contractors and suppliers essential

SDLP Economic spokesperson and chair of the All Party Group on Construction Patsy McGlone has meet with representatives from the construction industry at Stormont today.  Mr McGlone who is also Chair of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Construction Industry at Stormont today who have been hard hit in the past number of months. The pressures on the industry have often had a ripple-effect on sub-contractors and suppliers which has been hard for many small businesses and families...more

13th January 2013

McGlone: Violence hampering NI’s global economic contribution

SDLP Chairman of the Assembly Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee, Patsy McGlone, has said that the economic impact of flag-related violence on the North is affecting our standing on a global scale.  The Mid Ulster MLA said: “We are already getting the first indications of how local businesses, particularly small businesses, are suffering from the outbursts seen on our streets...more

9th January 2013

McGlone: Flag protests seriously jeopardising jobs

SDLP Chair of the Assembly Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee Patsy McGlone has backed Northern Ireland CBI chair Ian Coulter’s assertion that the ongoing flag protests are seriously jeopardising jobs and the local economy...more

9th January 2013

McGlone welcomes Desertcreat planning permission

SDLP Enterprise Trade and Investment spokesperson Patsy McGlone has warmly welcomed news from Environment Minister Alex Attwood that he has given the green light to the construction of a new combined Police, Fire and Prison Officer training college at Desertcreat, near Cookstown...more

7th January 2013

SDLP McGlone confirms 'sinister threat' sent in post

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has confirmed that a suspicious package found by staff at the Post Office’s sorting office in Mallusk contained a 9mm bullet with a sympathy card containing his name and picture.

Mr McGlone said whoever sent the sinister threat were “faceless fascists” who would not deter him from continuing to represent the people of Mid Ulster on issues affecting their daily lives...more

2012

December

18th December 2012

McGlone welcomes investment in renewables

SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster Patsy McGlone has welcomed plans by NIE to invest £44 million to facilitate renewable wind generation.  Mr McGlone who is Chair of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee was speaking after the Utility Regulator signalled its intention to approve the investment plans...more

18th December 2012

McGlone Tribute to Paddy Heron

The SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster Patsy McGlone has paid tribute to Paddy Heron, who died recently following a long illness...more

13th December 2012

McGlone: Foster kept quiet too long on economic impact of protests

SDLP Chair of the Assembly's Enterprise Trade and Investment Committee Patsy McGlone has said the DETI Minister’s call for flag protests to stop for the sake of the local economy is long overdue...more

12th December 2012

Marie Stopes Must Stay within Existing Legislative and Regulative Boundaries - McGlone

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has warned the Marie Stopes International Clinic in Belfast that they must work within the existing legislative and regulative boundaries in Northern Ireland.

Mr McGlone said, “Any sexual health and pregnancy service operating in this region must work within the existing legislative and regulative boundaries in this jurisdiction. The Marie Stopes International Clinic in Belfast will be no exception...more

12th December 2012

McGlone Calls for Calm over Provocative Flag-Flying

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has called for calm after an upsurge in provocative flag-flying in the Mid Ulster area. The SDLP MLA was speaking after a large number of flags appeared in Mid Ulster towns after Belfast City Council voted to restrict the flying of the Union flag at council properties...more

12th December 2012

McGlone Welcomes HSE Farm Safety Action Plan

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has welcomed the launch of the farm safety campaign by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland. The Mid Ulster MLA, who chairs the Assembly Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, was speaking following a recent briefing of the committee by representatives of the Health and Safety Executive...more

12th December 2012

McGlone Welcomes Proposed Planning Fee Reduction

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has welcomed a proposed reduction in planning fee for applications that are submitted after the five year expiry date of a previous planning approval. The proposal was revealed by the Minister of the Environment in an Assembly written answer to a question from the Mid Ulster MLA...more

6th December 2012

McGlone: Green Investment Bank holds promise for local businesses

SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone has welcomed remarks made by the Chief Executive of Invest Northern Ireland, Alastair Hamilton during a committee meeting at Stormont today.  Mr McGlone who is Chair of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee said: “I asked Alastair Hamilton at a meeting of the DETI committee today to ensure that Invest Northern Ireland would look at the opportunities for business development which could arise from the Green Investment Bank which he has agreed to do...more

November

29th November 2012

McGlone: Initiative can help explore alternatives for poultry litter disposal and support agri-food

SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone has urged the Executive to lend their support to the Small Business Research Initiative (“SBRI”).

“The SBRI uses public sector procurement to drive innovation. The Technology Strategy Board, which promotes the initiative, informed the Committee that the purpose of the SBRI is twofold. Firstly, finding solutions to the challenges faced by government through innovative technology. And, secondly, driving economic growth through innovation in industry...more

26th November 2012

McGlone: Potential of Small Business Research Initiative needs unlocked

SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone has called for sustainable alternatives to the practice of spreading poultry litter on local agricultural land.

Mr McGlone who is the chair of the DETI committee was speaking following an announcement from DETI and DARD of a SBRI competition for utilisation of poultry litter...more

23rd November 2012

McGlone: Boost Hospitality and Construction sectors by reducing VAT

SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone has called for a lower rate of VAT for the Hospitality and Construction industries. Mr McGlone who is Chair of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee said:

“Lowering the VAT rate for both the Hospitality and Construction industries would support these sectors at a difficult time and has the real potential to create jobs...more

20th November 2012

McGlone: Small Businesses must reap rewards of rate relief scheme

SDLP Economy spokesperson Patsy McGlone has given a cautious welcome to a response he received from Sammy Wilson, Minister of Finance and Personnel in relation to the small businesses rate relief scheme.

Mr McGlone said: “In this current economic climate small businesses are vulnerable and any reduction in rate payments is to be welcome. There has been up until now a lack of clear direction as to how the proposed Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) scheme would be implemented and its remit...more

14th November 2012

McGlone quizzes Executive on late payments to local firms

SDLP Economic Spokesperson Patsy McGlone has called on Government Departments to act urgently to ensure swift payment to construction workers involved in public sector projects.

Mr McGlone said: “According to the Finance Minister, some 60% of construction work in the north at the moment is on public sector infrastructure projects. Many local contractors and sub-contractors, like those affected by Patton’s, are working hard to complete these projects on and ahead of time...more

12th November 2012

MCGLONE: GREEN NEW DEAL COULD KICKSTART CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

SDLP economy spokesperson Patsy McGlone has said the construction industry would be hugely benefited by the Executive’s implementation of a Green New Deal.  The Mid Ulster MLA will speak during an SDLP led motion on construction in the Assembly on Monday...more

9th November 2012

MCGLONE: MINISTER MUST ENGAGE WITH “THE GATHERING” TO BOOST NORTH'S TOURISM INDUSTRY

SDLP Economy Spokesperson Patsy McGlone has urged the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment to participate fully in “The Gathering” initiative launched earlier this year by the Irish Government. Mr McGlone was speaking at the SDLP party conference in Armagh today: “Minister Foster is faced with a clear choice when it comes to “The Gathering” initiative which was launched earlier this year by the Irish Government. She can either embrace its full potential to boost our tourism industry or she can let this opportunity pass us by...more

2nd November 2012

McGlone Condemns Prison Officer Murder

SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster, Patsy McGlone, has condemned the murder of Prison Officer David Black as a “callous and pointless act of violence”. Mr Black, from Cookstown, was driving to work along the M1 when he was attacked...more

October

23rd October 2012

McGlone: Agri-Food Sector Growth Slowed by Lack of Finance

SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster, Patsy McGlone, has highlighted concerns among the agri-food sector about finance and the reluctance of local banks to lend for investment in the sector. Mr McGlone chaired a recent meeting of the Assembly Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment which heard evidence of the problems from Tony O'Neill, chair of the Agri-Food Strategy Board...more

19th October 2012

McGlone Welcomes Justice Committee Marie Stopes Request

SDLP Stormont Justice Committee member Patsy McGlone has said he welcomes the approach of the Stormont Justice Committee in requesting Marie Stopes appears before it to report how it intends to comply with the law in relation to abortion here...more

16th October 2012

McGlone: Essential to keep housing benefit system intact

SDLP Mid-Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has said that it is essential that current arrangements for housing benefit are preserved intact.  Mr McGlone was speaking during the debate on the second stage of the Welfare Reform Bill and raised concerns about the proposed removal of the option to have housing benefit paid directly to social landlords...more

11th October 2012

MCGLONE: FIRST AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTERS NOT EQUAL WHEN IT COMES TO INVESTMENT

SDLP Chair of the Assembly’s Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee, Patsy McGlone, has said that the Executive have a duty to ensure that all constituencies get their fair share of investment.  The Mid Ulster MLA was speaking following an Assembly debate on a regional investment strategy...more

September

26th September 2012

McGlone Calls for Intervention on Water Bills

SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster, Patsy McGlone, has called on the Regional Development Minister to intervene on NI Water’s reclassification of ‘test’ water meters. The Mid Ulster MLA’s call came after a number of households in the constituency received bills in excess of £3,000....more

21st September 2012

MCGLONE READY TO GET TO WORK ON ECONOMY

The SDLP’s Patsy McGlone has spoken of his determination to get straight to work on revitalising the North’s economy as he takes on the role of Chairman of Stormont’s Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee...more

12th September 2012

McGlone Welcomes Resumption of Water Mains Replacement

SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster, Patsy McGlone, has welcomed confirmation from NI Water of the resumption of work to replace the water mains at Killymuck Road, Ballinderry. The work had been rescheduled from March this year and is due to restart later this month...more

August

31st August 2012

MCGLONE PROBES BONUS CULTURE AT NIE AFTER REVELATION THAT CUSTOMERS ARE OVERCHARGED

SDLP Economy spokesperson Patsy McGlone has welcomed proposals from the Utility Regulator which could see consumer’s making savings of 1% on their electricity bills.

The Mid Ulster MLA was speaking after the Utility Regulator published his draft determination on Northern Ireland Electricity’s (NIE) T&D’s capitalisation practice...more

31st August 2012

SDLP: ULSTER BANK’S COMPENSATION SCHEME ‘AN INSULT’ TO CUSTOMERS

The SDLP has said Ulster Bank’s compensation scheme is totally insufficient and will do little to reimburse the thousands of personal and business customers who were left out of pocket due to their system failure...more

6th August 2012

McGlone Urges Local Banks to Access Funding For Lending Scheme

SDLP spokesperson on the Economy, Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone, has urged local banks to make full use of the Bank of England’s Funding for Lending scheme. The Mid Ulster MLA has written to the Chief Executives of Ulster Bank, Bank of Ireland, First Trust, Northern Bank and Santander seeking details of their plans to utilise the £80 billion lending scheme which came into operation at the start of August...more

6th August 2012

McGlone Meets Senior Ulster Bank Officials Over System Failure

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has met with senior Ulster Bank officials to emphasise the need for clarity on their proposals to reimburse Ulster Bank customers following the failure of the bank’s computer system. Mr McGlone met John Cairnduff, Ulster Bank Corporate Affairs manager, Nigel Walsh, West Regional Director, and Mark McKelvey Area Manager of Retail Banking, at vhis Cookstown office. He was accompanied in the meeting by Cookstown SDLP Councillor Tony Quinn and the SDLP representative for Drum Manor, Maria Cleary McGuffin....more

July

31st July 2012

McGlone Welcomes New Local SDLP Representatives

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has welcomed a new team of local party representatives in Mid Ulster. The local representatives are a new initiative by the party leader, Alasdair McDonnell. In the Cookstown and Magherafelt areas there are three new local representatives; Martin Kearney in Moyola, Maria Cleary-McGuffin in Drum Manor, and Malachy Quinn in Torrent. They met recently with local SDLP councillors to discuss the work ahead....more

31st July 2012

McGlone Criticises Poor Organisation of Triathlon Event

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone and Councillor Christine McFlynn have criticised the organisers of a triathlon along the Loughshore last weekend.

Mr McGlone said, “Local residents are very angry at the triathlon club who organised the event along the Loughshore at the weekend.  There was no consultation with the local community and no information provided about what they were planning or when it would occur..
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24th July 2012

McGlone: Horror at state of Hollywell Hospital

SDLP Mid-Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has described his horror at discovering serious dilapidation in the fabric of Holywell Hospital in Antrim during a visit over the weekend.

Mr McGlone visited the mental health facility with Cllr Kate Lagan as a follow-up to prior visits over the last six months, when they first noted problems..
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18th July 2012

Open Garden Party in Support of Niamh Louise Foundation 28th July

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6th July 2012

McGlone Asks Minister to Consider Alternative Payment Method for Benefits

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has asked the Social Development Minister about alternative arrangements for the payment of benefits for claimants who use Ulster Bank. The priority Assembly question was submitted as the Ulster Bank debacle moved into its third week without any resolution in sight...more

5th July 2012

MCGLONE: RESTITUTION PLAN URGENTLY NEEDED TO HELP ULSTER BANK CUSTOMERS

SDLP Economy spokesperson Patsy McGlone MLA has called on Ulster Bank to communicate to their customers the precise details of the remediation packages they are to put in place to help customers who are out of pocket due to the bank’s systems failure...more

5th July 2012

McGlone Questions Minister on Holy Family PS & Rainey New-Build

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone questioned the Education Minister on the absence of a decision on a school new-build for Holy Family Primary School and Rainey Endowed in Magherafelt. The Mid Ulster MLA tabled the Assembly questions after the minister announced a list of 13 new school builds in the primary and post-primary sectors that did not include the Holy Family Primary School or Rainey Endowed...more

5th July 2012

McGlone Questions Minister on Tyrone Schools New-Build Decisions

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has questioned the Education Minister on the absence of a commitment to new builds for Holy Trinity College, Cookstown and Edendork Primary School, Dungannon. The Mid Ulster MLA raised the issue of the new-builds in the Assembly following the announcement of a limited list of 13 new school builds in the primary and post-primary sectors...more

4th July 2012

McGlone Raises Concern at Pressure on Family Fund

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has raised concern at the pressure on the Family Fund following funding cuts to the programme. Mr McGlone accompanied a group of parents of disabled children to a meeting with the Health Minister last week to discuss the problem. The Family Fund is a registered charity that provides practical help to families with severely disabled children under the age of 16. Although in Northern Ireland the Fund received the same amount of funding in 2012/13 as it did in 2011/12, this is a reduction of 11.25% from the level of funding in 2010/11...more

4th July 2012

SDLP Concern at Number of Accidents at Keightley’s Corner

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has raised concern at the high number of accidents occurring at Keightley’s Corner, near Ballyronan. Mr McGlone and local SDLP Councillor Christine McFlynn both attended the scene of the most recent accident, on Thursday night, when the police and the ambulance service were required...more

June

26th June 2012

McGlone Chairs North-South Discussion at SDLP Economic Conference

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone chaired a discussion on North-South Co-operation at the successful ‘Job Creation and the Island Economy’ Conference at the Armagh City Hotel on 21 June. The conference focused on four main themes, Recovery and Renewal, Island Growth Clusters, North-South, Tourism and Construction. The invited speakers at the well-attended discussion on North-South co-operation included Dan O’Brien, Economics Correspondent at the Irish Times, Sean O’Driscoll of Glen Dimplex, and Aidan Gough from InterTradeIreland...more

20th June 2012

McGlone Calls for Independent Sentencing Guidelines Council

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has called for the establishment of an independent Sentencing Guidelines Council as promised in the 2010 Hillsborough Agreement. The call came as the Assembly debated a motion that “this Assembly, in light of the sentences handed down to those responsible for the murder of Constable Stephen Carroll, calls for a review of sentencing for the murder of PSNI officers”. The SDLP tabled an amendment to the motion calling “for the establishment of an independent sentencing guidelines council for Northern Ireland”, but it was defeated in the chamber...more

20th June 2012

McGlone: Proposed New Antrim Emergency Department ‘Two Years Too Late’

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has given a cautious welcome to the unveiling of the proposed design of the new Emergency Department at Antrim Area Hospital. The department is not due to be open until Spring 2013.

Mr McGlone said, “The proposed new Emergency Department at Antrim Area Hospital will certainly be a welcome improvement to the facilities currently available. It ticks all the boxes required of a modern state-of-the-art emergency department.  But it is at least two years too late.
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20th June 2012

Assembly Approves ETI Committee Recommendations on R&D

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has endorsed the recommendations of the Assembly’s Enterprise Trade and Investment [ETI] Committee report into developing the Northern Ireland economy through innovation, research and development. Mr McGlone, who is a member of the committee, took part in a recent Assembly debate where the report was approved, and the Assembly called on the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, and the Executive, to implement its recommendations...more

20th June 2012

McGlone: Desertcreat Investment an Opportunity for Local Companies

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has urged local companies to take advantage of the opportunities associated with the development of the joint public services college at Desertcreat, Cookstown...more

19th June 2012

New Boiler Replacement Scheme to Commence in September 2012

The scheme, which will be administered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Grants Offices, is aimed at owner occupiers who may not normally be eligible for assistance from government schemes....more

15th June 2012

SDLP Economic Conference

Job Creation and the Island Economy
Thursday, 21 June, Armagh City Hotel, Armagh
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13th June 2012

SDLP Mid Ulster Hear Concerns over Green New Deal

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has thanked the NI Green New Deal Group for their presentation to the SDLP Mid Ulster Constituency Council. John Woods, of the Green New Deal Group, led the presentation at the well-attended meeting and answered questions from those present. The Green New Deal is an ambitious plan to revive the economy through job creation while building a sustainable energy network and tackling fuel poverty...more

13th June 2012

McGlone Welcomes Carry-over of Desertcreat £20million Under-spend

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has welcomed a commitment from senior Justice Department officials that a £20million under-spend on the Police College at Desertcreat will be carried forward for use on the project this year. The under-spend in 2011/12 was revealed in figures presented to the Assembly’s Committee for Justice on Thursday 7th June. Mr McGlone is a member of the Committee....more