EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING COMMITTEE

PRESS RELEASE

15 March 2010

E&L03/09/10

MLAs BACK HOLYLAND ACTION PLAN FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY

The Assembly Employment and Learning Committee has backed an action plan designed to avoid the scenes of appalling behaviour witnessed in the Holyland area of Belfast on St Patrick’s Day last year.

Members of the Committee have been involved in preparing the plan over a number of months to ensure that the St Patrick’s Day celebrations pass off peacefully this year.

Chairperson of the Committee, Sue Ramsey MLA said: “We are tremendously supportive of the work that has been done by the two universities, the Employment Minister, residents’ groups, the PSNI and a number of other stakeholders to ensure that this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration is remembered for all the right reasons.

“An unprecedented level of effort and co-operation has been put into operation by all those concerned. Anyone who has been in the area will have seen banners urging good behaviour, and leaflets have been delivered to houses in the area highlighting the need for responsible behaviour on St Patrick’s Day.”

Anna Lo , Committee member and MLA for the area commented: “I have been very close to the situation on the ground in the Holyland area. I know how the residents dread a repeat of last year’s outrageous behaviour, so we must make sure that the plans that have been put in place are followed. There is no place for drunken chaos this year.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

The Committee Chairperson is Ms. Sue Ramsey MLA

Committee members:

Mr Jonathan Bell MLA
Mr. Paul Butler MLA
Mr Trevor Clarke MLA
Rev. Dr. Robert Coulter MLA
Mr. David Hilditch MLA
Mr. William Irwin MLA
Ms. Anna Lo MLA
Mr. David McClarty MLA
Mrs. Claire McGill MLA
Mr Pat Ramsey MLA

Media enquiries should be addressed to:

Ms Debra Savage,
Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Telephone – 028 90 521405/521137
Mobile: 07920 864221
Email – info.office@niassembly.gov.uk