Other NI News In Brief

NI Zombie Alert!

You'll be taking your life into your own hands when the much talked about Belfast-based zombie movie is released on DVD next month. The local movie and music chain The Basement will be launching the DVD release of 'Battle of the Bone' with the film's director, stars and some lurking zombies visiting the chain's various stores. 'Battle Of The Bone' was given a (relatively) good cinematic release despite having a budget of only £10,000, and is the mini 'epic tale' of how Northern Ireland's 12th of July became a day of peace. The film was a first, not only for Northern Ireland, but also Ireland and the UK, blending Hong Kong-styled martial arts with fast-paced zombie action, local banter, and some of Northern Ireland's best new talent. The movie is also showing at a prestigious event in Miami next month, and has also attracted some interest from Hong Kong and Canada. The touring cast of zombies along with George Clarke, the film's Director, will begin their day in Larne at noon, (October 23rd) then onto Carrickfergus for 1.30pm and finishing in Belfast at 3.00pm.

See: Zombie Movie Plot Crosses Ulster's Sectarian Divide

Go International, NI Companies Urged

Around 70 NI companies have been encouraged to grow export sales through low-risk international partnerships by a team of experts at an Invest Northern Ireland organised workshop. Among those briefing the companies was Adrian Moore, Managing Director of Causeway Data Communications, a Coleraine technology company which has grown business in the US by forming a series of partnerships there. Other expert speakers included Dr Mark Priest, UK Trade and Investment's Global R&D Specialist and a director of several technology companies, and Bart Verhulst, Director of Cedis - Centre for Entrepreneurial Development and Investment Strategies. Mr Verhulst is an international business development consultant specialising in alliance strategies. Commenting on the partnership initiative, Alan Hingston, Invest NI's Trade Director, said: "Rapid technological innovation, mounting competition and spiralling costs accelerated by the Credit Crunch and globalisation, are posing serious challenges for each and every business in Northern Ireland. Companies can meet these challenges by continuing to build sales in markets outside Northern Ireland while ensuring that costs continue to be managed effectively."

Irish Language Pupils Commended

NI Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has presented six Irish language students with their ASDAN bronze awards at Gaelscoil Uí Neill in Coalisland. The past pupils of the Gaelscoil were awarded their certificate for researching their genealogy and local history with a local specialist who visited their school every week. Speaking to the students, the Minister said: "History is the study of change and you have a better understanding of your local community and how you have come to live here. It is appropriate that you have done this through the medium of Irish, a language rich in history, both local and cultural. Congratulations to all the young people here today for achieving their award. Local history and researching your family tree is a fascinating subject which can yield many satisfying rewards."

Half A Million Pounds For Newry Maternity Unit

Newry's Daisy Hill Hospital maternity unit is in line to receive an investment totaling half a million pounds, the Health Minister has confirmed. Michael McGimpsey said the £500,000 investment is part of an overall plan to improve maternity services in the Southern Trust area. The extra funding will mean an enhanced delivery suite; a dedicated induction area; improvements to the maternity ward and development of an assessment unit outside the maternity ward. Minister McGimpsey said: "I am committed to improving the quality of care and facilities available to mothers and their new babies and I want to ensure that mothers using the excellent services at Daisy Hill Hospital have a good experience and receive the best possible care."

Adviser On Employment Appointment

A new Northern Ireland Adviser on Employment and Skills has been appointed. Bill McGinnis takes up this new, part-time appointment from 1 October until 30 September 2011. Welcoming Mr McGinnis to his new position, the Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey said: "Bill will act as a public champion of employment and skills issues within industry, business and government. He has a wealth of experience in this area and this will be invaluable to help promote a collaborative approach between government and business, especially small and medium sized businesses, to create a shared vision of the employment and skills landscape that meets mutual aims."

(BMcC)