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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 9h

📚 Members of the Education Committee took part in roundtable discussions last week, exploring educational disadvantage and its impact on boys in Northern Ireland. 🔎 Find out more about the Committee’s work: lk.nia.fyi/10v1x 🔗

Man presenting powerpoint to Members of the Education Committee and the public.

Student engaging in roundtable discussion.

Members of the public taking part in roundtable discussions.

Members of the Education Committee taking part in roundtable discussions.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 06/10/2026

The Speaker, Mr Edwin Poots MLA, was pleased to welcome Ms Sarah Owen MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, to Parliament Buildings today.

The Speaker Mr Edwin Poots MLA, welcomes Ms Sarah Owen MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, to Parliament Buildings today. Mr Poots is standing up and Ms Owen is sitting down signing a book. Both are wearing navy blazers.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 05/10/2026

🏛️ Find out what’s happening at the Assembly this week. ➡️ Business Diary: lk.nia.fyi/pBrI ➡️ Text alternative available here: lk.cmte.fyi/10lb7

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 28/09/2026

The Speaker was pleased to welcome with the Italian Consul General Mr Luca Fratini to Parliament Buildings last week.

The Speaker with Italian Consul General Mr Luca Fratini.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 28/09/2026

The Speaker, Mr Edwin Poots MLA, welcomed the Indian Consul General, Ms Kiran Khatri, to Parliament Buildings today.

Indian Consul General Ms Kiran Khatri sits and writes in the visitors’ guest book, while Speaker Mr Edwin Poots MLA stands beside her.

Indian Consul General Ms Kiran Khatri sits and writes in the visitors’ guest book.

Indian Consul General Ms Kiran Khatri sits while Speaker Mr Edwin Poots MLA stands beside her.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 21/09/2026

🏛️ Find out what’s happening at the Assembly this week. ➡️ Business Diary: lk.nia.fyi/pBrI ➡️ Text alternative available here: lk.nia.fyi/tw21sept26

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 15/09/2026

Today we marked #InternationalDayofDemocracy with a special Assembly Explained workshop at Parliament Buildings 🏛️

A group of people, including the SDLP's councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr and attendees from the North-West Migrants Forum, standing on the stairs in the Great Hall in Parliament Buildings.

Groups of people sitting at tables watching a presentation about how the NI Assembly works. There are glasses of water and a plate of scones on each table.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 14/09/2026

🏛️ Find out what’s happening at the Assembly this week. ➡️ Business Diary: lk.nia.fyi/pBrI ➡️ Text alternative available here: lk.nia.fyi/TW17Sept26

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 07/09/2026

🏛️ Find out what’s happening at the Assembly this week. ➡️ Business Diary: lk.nia.fyi/pBrI ➡️ Text alternative available here: lk.nia.fyi/_fZH

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 04/09/2026

❓Assembly Questions - What is Question Time? Janet from the Assembly's outreach team explains all. To book an Assembly Explained Workshop, visit lk.nia.fyi/sY33

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 02/09/2026

It was great to meet so many of you at the Mela Festival on Sunday 🤩. The Assembly's engagement and outreach team was on hand to tell the public about our work. For more information about how to get involved visit: lk.nia.fyi/_Vgt

Visitors and Northern Ireland Assembly engagement staff pose beside the Assembly information stand at the Belfast Mela Festival. The stand features Assembly branding and a range of leaflets, activity sheets and information materials for members of the public

Hundreds of people watch a live performance on the main stage at the Belfast Mela Festival in Botanic Gardens. Colourful festival artwork decorates the stage, while crowds fill the grass area in front of the performers under a bright sky.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 02/09/2026

Want to understand how democracy works — and how you can have your say? 💬 Join our Assembly Explained workshop on International Day of Democracy — register now by emailing engagement@niassembly.gov.uk 📍 Parliament Buildings | 🗓️ 15 September | ⏰ 10am–1pm 💻 Online via Teams | ⏰ 7.00pm–8.30pm

Want to understand how democracy works and how you can have your say?

Join our Assembly Explained workshop on International Day of Democracy and learn how the Assembly works, how decisions are made, and ways you can get involved. Join us online or in-person. Spaces are limited, you register now by emailing engagement@niassembly.gov.uk

At Parliament Buildings on 15 September at 10am–1pm
and online via Teams 7.00pm–8.30pm

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 02/09/2026

Last month, the Speaker welcomed two large delegations of US state legislators. The visitors listened to panel discussions involving MLAs and had the opportunity to ask questions. Such visits help to promote the work of the Assembly and to hear the experiences of other legislatures.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 01/09/2026

The Speaker welcomed a US delegation from the American Irish State Legislators Caucus to Parliament Buildings last week. The visitors heard from Members during a panel discussion event as part of a study trip to Northern Ireland.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 01/09/2026

'Did You Know? 🏛️ The iconic grand staircase at Parliament Buildings, with its statue of Lord Craigavon, has been the backdrop for major events and moments of local history. But what is its history and what materials were used?' ⚒️ Book a tour: lk.nia.fyi/ywMb 🔗

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 28/08/2026

The Chambers, the Speaker’s Office, the library and much more 👀☎️📚 Come visit Parliament Buildings for our special extended free public tours to mark European Heritage Open Day on 12 September. 🏛️ 🎟️ Tours run every 45 minutes and can be booked here: lk.nia.fyi/ywMb

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 14/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Parliament Buildings for our second family-friendly tour and activities day 📷 🤩. We hope you had lots of fun while learning about the Assembly. Interested in a visit? Find everything you need to know here: www.niassembly.gov.uk/visit-and-le...

Families and children sit in the Assembly Chamber at Parliament Buildings while a member of Assembly staff stands at the front explaining the work of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

A child wearing a colourful striped dress places a red wish tag on a 'Law' tree during a family event at Parliament Buildings.

A child assembles a paper model of Parliament Buildings while seated at a craft table.

A young wheelchair user poses beside an adult during an accessible family activity event at Parliament Buildings.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 14/08/2026

The Speaker welcomed a US delegation from the National Conference of State Legislators to Parliament Buildings this week. The visitors heard from Members during a panel discussion event as part of a study trip to Northern Ireland.

Group image of five people, including the Speaker, MLAs and representatives from the US delegation on the balcony of Parliament Buildings. Pillars are visible either side and the Stormont estate behind them.

Speaker Edwin Poots MLA wearing a navy waistcoat over a white shirt leans back in a blue chair holding a microphone as he takes part in the panel discussion.

Photo of the audience listening and looking forward during the panel discussion in rows of seats. The room at Parliament Buildings has wood pannelled walls, a white ceiling and green/blue carpet.

Group photo on the stairs of the Great Hall with the marbled walls surrounding them. The Speaker, wearing a white shirt and navy waistcoat stands in the centre of the large group.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 07/08/2026

Assembly Questions❓- Do you know the difference between the Assembly and the Executive? Janet from the Assembly's outreach team explains all. To book an Assembly Explained Workshop, visit lk.nia.fyi/sY33

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 31/07/2026

Did you know? 🏛️ Cameras are being used to capture the wildlife behind Parliament Buildings, from foxes and badgers to the elusive pine marten 📹. Conal talks us through the process and what we have found so far 🐿️🦊🦡

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 29/07/2026

A celebration of music and dance was held at Parliament Buildings today as the Speaker marked the road to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026. The event featured performances by Ballynafeigh School of Irish Dancing, Belfast Bands Forum and Ards Comhaltas 🎶

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 27/07/2026

We loved welcoming you to our special family-friendly tour and activities last week, and we're looking forward to our next one on Friday 14 August!

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 24/07/2026

The Speaker welcomed members of the SelectFlorida Delegation to Parliament Buildings. 🏛️ SelectFlorida is a partnership of businesses, government leaders, and economic development partners working together to improve the Florida economy. selectflorida.org/about/.

The speaker, Edwin Poots, smiling with members of the SelectFlorida Delegation and Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd on the balcony of Parliament Buildings.

The speaker, Edwin Poots, smiling with members of the SelectFlorida Delegation and Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd on the Balcony at the base of the steps in the Great Hall at Parliament Buildings.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 23/07/2026

Thanks to all the families who joined us at Parliament Buildings yesterday! It was great to welcome you for our special family-friendly tour and activities, and we hope you had lots of fun while learning more about the Assembly.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 07/07/2026

There was a buzz around Parliament Buildings today as it welcomed the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers 🐝🏛️

A large group of young beekeepers and organisers pose on the steps outside Parliament Buildings during the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers.

A participant wearing an International Meeting of Young Beekeepers competitor badge plants a young wildflower in a prepared garden bed.

A newly planted wildflower bed with young plants spaced across freshly prepared soil, created as part of the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers visit.

The AERA minister alongside a small group of young beekeepers. They stand by the freshly planted wildflower garden and a sign that states 'native wildflower planting area'.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 07/07/2026

We want to hear your views on the School Uniforms (Trousers) Bill, which would allow all pupils to wear trousers as part of their school uniform. An ad hoc committee has been set up to scrutinise the Bill. You can have your say by taking part in our survey by 23 August 2026: lk.cmte.fyi/yz41

Graphic image reading 'ad hoc committee on the school uniform (trousers) bill' and 'we want to hear your views on the Committee for Education Bill which proposes to allow all pupils to wear trousers in school.' It is set against a blue background and in the bottom right there is a photo of a young girl wearing a school backpack, dark top and dark trousers.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 07/07/2026

Free tours, delicious meals and the gift shop - come visit Parliament Buildings this summer 🏛️ Extra free public tours run daily - click here to book: lk.nia.fyi/ywMb 🎟️ The Member's Dining Room, Coffee Lounge and Speaker's Corner coffee shop will also be open most days ☕🍽️

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 06/07/2026

“It’s important that the issues that matter to older people are the ones that are brought to this event.” What would you like to see on the agenda for the next Older People’s Parliament? Have your say here: lk.nia.fyi/wM43

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 02/07/2026

The Committee for the Economy is seeking views on the Renewable Electricity Generation Bill which aims to support the growth of renewable electricity in Northern Ireland. ➡️ Have your say online before 21 October 2026: consult.nia-yourassembly.org.uk/economy/reg-...

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 02/07/2026

This week we launched our Interparliamentary and International Strategy 2026–2030, setting out a clear framework for strengthening engagement with other legislatures and international partners. 🤝🏛️

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 01/07/2026

“The Committee was certainly in listening mode today.” The Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs met with stakeholders from the fishing sector on a visit to Portaferry and Portavogie. They also visited the Seal Sanctuary at Exploris Aquarium. The Committee Chair explains:

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 01/07/2026

A new Ad Hoc Committee has been established to consider the School Uniforms (Trousers) Bill. It will hold its first meeting tomorrow, 2 July 2026. You can read more information about the Bill here: lk.nia.fyi/yXcL 📺 You can watch the Committee meeting from 9:30am at niassembly.tv

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 01/07/2026

The Speaker welcomed members of the Ontario Legislative Intern Programme during their recent visit to Parliament Buildings.

The Speaker and eleven members of the Ontario Legislative Intern Programme standing in a line at the base of a grand marble staircase inside an ornate building. The individuals are dressed in formal business attire, including suits in black, light blue, red, white, pink, navy and cream. The staircase, featuring decorative dark metal railings, rises behind the group and is flanked by floral arrangements. The space has polished stone floors, tall columns, and warm indoor lighting, creating a formal and ceremonial setting.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 30/06/2026

The Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill reaches its Final Stage in the Assembly today. The Committee for the Executive Office Chair explains what that means:

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 29/06/2026

The Speaker, Mr Edwin Poots MLA, welcomed the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) to Parliament Buildings today.

Group photograph of six people standing in a line at the base of a grand marble staircase inside an ornate building. The individuals are dressed in formal business attire, including suits in black, green, pink, navy, and grey. The staircase, featuring decorative dark metal railings, rises behind the group and is flanked by floral arrangements. The space has polished stone floors, tall columns, and warm indoor lighting, creating a formal and ceremonial setting.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 29/06/2026

🏛️ Find out what’s happening at the Assembly this week. ➡️ Business Diary: lk.nia.fyi/pBrI ➡️ Text alternative available here: lk.nia.fyi/TW29June26

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 26/06/2026

A torch run and celebrations as Team Ulster's incredible Special Olympics athletes enjoyed a reception hosted by the Speaker at Parliament Buildings. 🏅

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 25/06/2026

The Speaker was thrilled to welcome Special Olympics Ireland Team Ulster athletes to Parliament Buildings and wishes them well for next year’s games in Chile.

Two athletes wearing black and gold coloured tops carry a silver lit torch up to the steps of Parliament Buildings, followed by fellow athletes behind them.

Speaker Edwin Poots wearing a blue shirt and a grey waistcoat holds the silver lit torch flanked by two athletes wearing gold and black tops.

Large group shot of Team Ulster athletes on the steps of Parliament Buildings with the pillars of the structure behind them. Many are waving banners and their arms in the air while posing for the image. The Speaker, ministers and officials are in the front row.

Group of athletes and families listen in the Great Hall staring forward. In the background is the marble walls.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 24/06/2026

Need a way to entertain the kids for FREE this summer? Join us at Parliament Buildings for two special family days. ✅ Free entry 🎟️ Booking advisable 🚗 Free car parking 🎨 Activities and tours suitable for all ages 🕰️ Visit lasts approximately 2 hours Book here: lk.nia.fyi/yHI7

Graphic poster image which reads Free Family Fun at Parliament Buildings. The display advertises the dates 22 July and 14 August, with text explaining tours, arts and crafts, games and activities and educational workshops in terms of what people can get involved in.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 22/06/2026

🏛️ Find out what’s happening at the Assembly this week. ➡️ Business Diary: lk.nia.fyi/pBrI ➡️ Text alternative available here: lk.nia.fyi/TW22June26

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 17/06/2026

Members of the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly provided an oral briefing to the Assembly's Finance Committee today on the Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill.

Committee members Diane Forsythe (far left) and Matthew O'Toole (far right) stand at either side of five members of the Youth Assembly, who are wearing yellow lanyards. They are standing in a row on the red carpet of the Senate Chamber, with a Committee for Finance banner behind them.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 16/06/2026

Today, the Speaker chaired the AGM of the NI Assembly Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, reflecting on the past year’s work and priorities for the year ahead.

The Speaker and nine members of the NI Assembly Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association stand together in a formal meeting room for a group photo after the AGM. They are dressed in business attire, positioned in front of patterned wallpaper with a window to the side letting in natural light.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 15/06/2026

The Speaker, Mr Edwin Poots MLA was delighted to welcome Dr Christopher Stange, Consul General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to Northern Ireland, to Parliament Buildings today.

A formal photograph inside an ornate office at Parliament Buildings showing two people in business attire. One person, Dr Christopher Stange, is seated at a wooden desk signing a large open visitors’ book with a pen, while another person, Mr Edwin Poots, stands beside the desk. The room features leather seating, framed portraits on pale blue walls, a wooden door in the background, and desk items including a pen holder and reed diffuser.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 15/06/2026

🏛️Find out what’s happening at the Assembly this week. ➡️Business Diary: lk.nia.fyi/pBrI ➡️https://lk.nia.fyi/TW15June26

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 15/06/2026

Your Parliament, your agenda – Take our survey. Are you an older person who wants your voice heard? Complete our survey and help shape the discussion: lk.nia.fyi/wM43 Closing date: 24 July 2026.

Image of the Assembly Chamber with blue benches and brown wooden panels. Two women are in shot, with one wearing blue standing and speaking into a microphone. Another woman is sitting to the left.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 12/06/2026

The Speaker was delighted to welcome the Ambassador of Switzerland to the UK, His Excellency, Mr Dominique Paravicini, to Parliament Buildings.

Mr Dominique Paravicini, Ambassador of Switzerland to the UK, sits at a desk signing an open guestbook with a pen, while Edwin Poots MLA, Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, stands beside him. Both are dressed in business attire in a formal office with wood-paneled doors, framed portraits, leather seating, and a small arrangement of red and beige flowers on the desk in the foreground.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 12/06/2026

Assembly Questions❓- Do you know what an Assembly Committee does? Janet from the Assembly's outreach team explains all. To book an Assembly Explained Workshop, visit lk.nia.fyi/sY33

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 12/06/2026

The Speaker was delighted to welcome the Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in the UK, Ms Leena Linnus, to Parliament Buildings.

The Speaker and Ms Leena Linnus in formal business attire are pictured in an elegant office setting with panelled walls, framed portraits, and leather furniture. Ms Leena Linnus is seated at a wooden desk in the foreground, signing a large open book with a pen. The desk holds a pen stand, a small container with sticks, and a vase with red and cream dried flowers. A second person stands just behind and to the right of the seated person, facing the camera. Soft natural light illuminates the scene, and a wooden double door is visible in the background.

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 08/06/2026

“It’s important that we get the right issues so that we can further push ahead our support for our older people.” Tell us what should be on the agenda for the next Older People’s Parliament. The survey closes on 24 July: lk.nia.fyi/wM43

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Northern Ireland Assembly @niassembly.gov.uk · 08/06/2026

🏛️Find out what’s happening at the Assembly this week. ➡️Business Diary: lk.nia.fyi/pBrI ➡️https://lk.nia.fyi/TW01JUN26

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