SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie stood up in defence of public sector pensions in NI during Northern Ireland Questions in the House of Commons today. Ms Ritchie asked Secretary of State Owen Paterson if he agreed “that the government must do more to deal with the genuine concerns of public sector workers and their [...]

Margaret Ritchie MP has held a detailed meeting with Mr John Compton, the Head of the Northern Ireland Health Service Review Team. Speaking after the meeting the MP said; “ I put forward a strong case for the retention and enhancement of services at both the Downe and Daisy Hill hospitals. I am pleased to [...]

SDLP Leader and South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has said that amendments to the Pensions Bill do not go far enough. Ms Ritchie was speaking following the third reading of the Pensions Bill in the House of Commons where she voted against the bill having listened to the concerns of many of her constituents, particularly [...]

SDLP MP MLA Margaret Ritchie has raised the issue in the House of Commons regarding cancer patients who are experiencing fuel poverty. Ms Ritchie stated, “Fuel poverty unfortunately affects many cancer patients, with people having to turn off their heating in the winter despite being cold because they are worried about their fuel bills. It [...]

Margaret Ritchie MP MLA has received confirmation from the Department of Education that they will extend Sure Start Services to the Murlough area from March 2012. The MP said; “Following representations from health professionals and the local community I have been lobbying the Department of Education for some time on the need to extend their [...]

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has called for the Minister for Health to look at the range of health services available in Border areas, such as Newry, and to strengthen the practice of utilising cross-border health services. The MP for South Down said; “Hospitals like Daisy Hill, Newry, have a natural catchment area into Co [...]

SDLP MP MLA Margaret Ritchie has written to the Minister of Health, Mr Edwin Poots MLA, to seek additional good quality and affordable childcare places in Northern Ireland. Ms Ritchie stated, “I have received a briefing paper from NICMA – the Childminding Association, which highlights the problems faced by many parents with the lack of [...]

MP MLA Margaret Ritchie attended Asda in Kilkeel on Saturday 24th September 2011 in relation to the store’s Sporting Chance scheme, which is encouraging children across Northern Ireland to become more active. Ms Ritchie stated, “I had the opportunity to learn about the scheme and the good work that Asda is carrying out locally. I [...]

Margaret Ritchie MP MLA for South Down and long time Downe Hospital Campaigner has welcomed the news, that today the High Court granted leave for a Judicial Review of the South Eastern Trust’s Decision to close Downe Hospital Consultant Led A&E during night-time hours. Speaking after receiving the news the MP for South Down said: [...]

South Down MP MLA Margaret Ritchie has written to the Minister for Health, Mr Edwin Poots MLA, to seek a review of the decision to cut the funding for pharmaceutical care in Northern Ireland. Ms Ritchie stated, “Concerns have been raised about the repercussions of the cuts, which may include the removal of services, redundancies [...]