Other NI News In Brief

Committee Discuss Policing

The Chairman of the Policing Board, Barry Gilligan (pictured) yesterday addressed an oral evidence session of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. The Committee are currently meeting in Belfast to discuss the issue of the devolution of policing and justice. "I advised the Committee that the Board is supportive of the devolution of policing and justice powers but highlighted two key principles which were previously agreed by all Board Members and accepted by the Assembly and Executive Committee; that (i) the role and powers of the Board should not be diminished or changed and the Chief Constable should remain accountable solely to the Board for the delivery of a policing service in Northern Ireland; and (ii) the Chief Constable's operational responsibility should not be undermined when policing and justice are devolved."

Savage Attack Condemned

SDLP North Belfast MLA Alban Maginness has hit out at those responsible for attacking a man with a baseball bat at his home in Somerton Park on Monday night. Mr Maginness, who is also the party's spokesperson for justice, said: "This was a wholly despicable act of savagery and one that has no place in our society. This man not only had the ignominy of being burgled in his own home but, rather more seriously, assaulted with a bat by four masked men. It's the vulnerable in our society who are the targets of thugs and cowards, ransacking a house for the hard-earned money of people who are just trying to get by in difficult times," he said, also urging anyone with information to contact the police.

Millions Lost From Agriculture Budget

Proposed budget cuts of nearly £10m have been outlined by the Stormont Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew. She said yesterday savings were necessary to allow "the Executive to balance its books". The Minister announced her proposals in respect of the NI Executive's review of the 2010/11 budget. All 11 departments have been told to impose combined cuts of almost £400m next year by Finance Minister Sammy Wilson who also outlined plans of how £367m was going to be cut from the NI budget next year.

Match Violence Panel Postponed

This week's expected meeting of the FA Disciplinary Committee to discuss the abandoned Newry City-Larne Irish Cup has been postponed. The meeting was scheduled for Wednesday night but as Larne Manager Paul Millar was unavailable to attend the hearing - as he is currently abroad - an alternative date will now be found. The game exploded into on-pitch fighting among both players and officials which caused the referee to abandon the game.

Educational Needs Fears Expressed

An Ulster Unionist member of the Assembly Education Committee, John McCallister, has said that there is "widespread and serious concern" that the Education Minister's proposals for Special Educational Needs (SEN) will not ensure that children "get the help they need and deserve as of right". He claimed that the proposals will "not enable them to deliver for children or to ensure that all children reach their capabilities". The South Down MLA said: "The Lamb Review into special educational needs, published last month, and commissioned by the Department of Children Schools and Families, clearly states that in order to get success parents need to be listened to more and brought into partnership with statutory bodies in a more meaningful way. This proposal does not include the level of detail required to give parents, teachers and professionals the confidence they need," he said.

Music Marketing Successful

A local music business that was set up with support from Invest Northern Ireland is hoping to quadruple sales within the next three years as a result of an intensive marketing campaign. Karacha Ltd is an online music store, which was set up in 2006 by young Bangor entrepreneur Adam Ewart while he was still studying at Queen's University. Since then the business has grown rapidly and now employs four. The company is now investing almost £100,000 to further build the Karacha brand and expand the customer base, with support from Invest NI. "With Invest NI support I'm planning to undertake market visits to research the international music industry. I intend to visit China to seek out new manufacturers to broaden our range of products and accessories, and the USA to develop a trading platform and direct distribution network. Karacha is also going to exhibit at trade fairs in Europe," explained Mr Ewart.

(BMcC/GK)