News
More work needed before decision on future of TT access road
Options include improving existing road
Further feasibility studies and design work is needed to determine the future of the TT access road.
Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall has provided an update following a Tynwald query from Onchan MHK Rob Callister.
Subject to funding, Mr Crookall says more work will be needed before a decision is taken – options include improving the existing access road, providing a new link between the inside and outside of the TT course, or doing nothing.
The Department of Infrastructure previously announced six ideas were being […]
Gov’t ‘must ensure planning process doesn’t scupper development’
MHK says red tape has previously put off investors
Government needs to step in to ensure plans to invest in the Island don’t fall during the planning process, according to one MHK.
Proposals to redevelop three brownfield sites were recently unveiled, with government providing financial support to private sector developers.
If approved, the project would create almost 100 new apartments and an 80-bed hotel.
But Onchan MHK Rob Callister, who’s previously spent time as a political member of the Department for Enterprise, says he’s previously seen red tape scupper plans like this:
Is the Isle of Man ready to remove work permits?
The Isle of Man government is set to ask for Tynwald approval to scrap work permits for three years as part of efforts to remove ‘perceived barriers’ and entice skilled workers to the Island.
The Department of Enterprise says the jobs market is highly competitive and leaving said ‘barriers’ will put the Island at a significant disadvantage.
But there are rumblings from politicians ahead of the debate with some in favour but others against.
Onchan MHK Rob Callister intends to vote against the move.
Source: manxradio.com
Concerns raised over Island’s ability to cope with population spike
Onchan MHK thinks turning off work permit system could have significant consequences
Switching off the work permit system would come at the detriment to the Island’s infrastructure and public services.
That’s according to Rob Callister who believes the enterprise minister is wrong to think the system brings a ‘perceived’ barrier.
The government is expected to request Tynwald approval to suspend work permits for three years to entice more skilled workers to live and work here.
But Mr Callister isn’t convinced:
You can listen to Mr Callister in […]
1000 patients waiting for ENT, but times coming down says Health Minister
Average wait of 55 weeks
Around 1,000 people on the Isle of Man are waiting for an Ear, Nose and Throat appointment, with an average wait time of more than a year for a routine referral.
That’s down, however, on the average 76 week waiting time recorded earlier this year.
The figures have been shared by Health Minister Lawrie Hooper following a Tynwald Question for Written Answer.
He says: “Through the Restoration and Recovery Programme Nobles Hospital’s ENT Unit undertook additional weekend clinics to reduce waiting times. Manx Care has utilised two ENT Consultants to […]
More needs to be done to tackle homelessness, says Onchan MHK
With a recent spike in homelessness on the Island, what provision is in place to offer shelter during the winter months?
That’s the question posed by MHK for Onchan, Rob Callister to Minister for Health and Social Care Lawrie Hooper.
Mr Hooper conceded that due to a lack of provision the responsibility ultimately falls on his department as a last resort, and Manx Care can secure short term stays in hotels and bedsits.
The Onchan MHK says more needs to be done to tackle this growing problem – one which he believes […]
Onchan MHK wants department focusing on tourism
Rob Callister pens proposals to the chief minister
An Onchan MHK wants to see the creation of a new department that will focus on rebuilding the Island’s tourism sector.
Rob Callister has sent his proposals to the Chief Minister Alfred Cannan, following a presentation on the future of the Department of Infrastructure to Tynwald members.
Mr Callister told Manx Radio he felt the presentation and proposed ideas were not in the best interest of the Island and has suggested the creation of the Department of Tourism, Heritage, Culture, Transport and the Arts while […]
Confidence in Cannan’s administration at an ‘all time low’ says MHK
Callister ponders general election
Confidence in the current government administration is at an ‘all time low’.
That’s the view of one MHK who’s questioned whether a general election could be called.
It follows the sacking of Infrastructure Minister Chris Thomas and the chief minister’s decision to take on the department himself to ‘initiate a more rapid reform process’.
Onchan’s Rob Callister – who was also dismissed from his ministerial post last year by Alfred Cannan – says questions are now being asked:
Mr Cannan has told Manx Radio he doesn’t want […]
Bishop to stay in Tynwald
Members reject calls to remove church’s seat in LegCo
Tynwald members have voted against proposals to remove the Bishop from the court.
Douglas East MHK Joney Faragher put forward a motion to take the role away from within the Legislative Council once Rt Rev Bishop Peter Eagles retires later this year.
Before it reached a vote, Bishop Eagles had his say, arguing he’s a voice for ‘legitimate dissent’:
The matter was discussed in Tynwald for a significant portion of today’s sitting and the reason for, and time spent on the debate, […]
Tynwald refuses to release evidence submitted to Callister sacking investigation
“Information is absolutely exempt from disclosure”
Tynwald has refused to release details relating to an investigation triggered by the sacking of the former health minister.
Manx Radio submitted Freedom of Information requests to the Office of the Clerk of Tynwald requesting all evidence submitted to the Standards and Members’ Interests Committee by MHKs Rob Callister, Joney Faragher and Michelle Haywood and MLC Tanya August-Hanson.
The President of Tynwald has signed a certificate endorsing the information be ‘absolutely exempt’ from being published to ‘avoid an infringement of the privileges of Tynwald’.
Manx Radio has appealed the […]