Other NI News In Brief

Assembly Dissolving Before Elections

MLAs are meeting at Stormont for a final sitting ahead of the May Assembly elections. Many of the 108 Assembly members are not seeking to be re-elected, among them is former First Minister, Ian Paisley. The meeting of the Assembly marks the first time that the Stormont Assembly’s parliamentary term has been fully completed without any suspensions of its term at all, with the Assembly continuing its full business uninterrupted since the last elections were held in March 2007. The survival of the Assembly for a full term was marked by spokespersons of parties on all sides of the house, while former First Minister Ian Paisley made his final speech to the Assembly, before his retirement at May’s election. Paisley will remain a member of the House of Lords at Westminster until his death, however, having been given a life peerage last year following his retirement as an MP. The 2011 Northern Ireland Assembly will be held on 5 May.

Thirteen Maghaberry Prisoners Overdose

13 prisoners have been taken to hospital from Maghaberry prison after overdosing on prescription drugs in the last six months. Information released by the Department of Justice shows that a total of 257 prisoners have been taken to hospital over the same time period. The DUP's Jonathan Craig said he was "absolutely startled" by the figures. The Prison Service said it costs on average £500 to transport a prisoner to and from hospital. Mr Craig initially raised the issue after receiving complaints from "local ambulance crews who had to transport a number of prisoners up and down from Maghaberry on a very frequent basis". He said: "It was becoming clear to them that some of these prisoners were abusing this situation. When you look at drugs, whether they are prescribed or illegal, they are the main source of bartering within the prison system." Mr Craig said he appreciated some cases would have been necessary but emphasised that the prison has its own medical facilities.

Ex-Priest Acquitted Of Sex Assault

A former Catholic priest has been acquitted of indecently assaulting a schoolgirl more than 30 years ago. James Doyle, 61, was acquitted of 15 counts of indecent assault. The judge at Belfast Crown Court ruled another alleged injured party had innocently contaminated the alleged victim’s evidence. Mr Doyle faced 20 further charges of indecent assault against a second girl but she did not give evidence.

Enniskillen Educational Programme Gets Funding Boost

A funding boost of over £184,000 for a three year educational and activity programme in Enniskillen was announced by Social Development Minister Alex Attwood. The programme will help provide homework support and activities for children aged eight to 12 years old in the Kilmacormick Resource Centre, which will be managed by Devenish Partnership Forum. It will also consist of a number of activities including a healthy eating workshop, arts and crafts workshops, and educational trips. Mr Attwood commented: “This is good news for the children of Enniskillen NRA. The programme will help enhance the levels of educational attainment in the area and build confidence in pupils. I recognise that if we are to tackle the long-term spiral of deprivation we must improve the life chances of those living in our most vulnerable communities. It is vital that all our children, regardless of background are given the opportunity to achieve their full potential.” To date, the total amount of money spent on Neighbourhood Renewal in Enniskillen is over £1.2million.

Derry Businesses Encouraged To Bid For City Of Culture Funding

The Social Development Department has called for organisations in Londonderry to bid for part of a £10m funding package for City of Culture 2013. The funding will go towards venues and services, retail areas and an indoor venue for prestigious events. The Minister for Social Development, Alex Attwood, said it was important that venues to host events and attract tourists and visitors must be to the highest possible standard. Plans have been made to secure a moveable pavilion, which will accommodate 8,000 people. Up to £1million of funding will also be provided to enhance a number of retail areas on both the Cityside and Waterside. Attwood said the community should benefit from City of Culture year.

"These are exciting times, and I know the people of Derry, who have a very strong cultural tradition of song, dance and warm hospitality, will rise to the challenge of delivering a programme of events that will be second to none." The Mayor of Derry, Councillor Colum Eastwood, welcomed the support for the city. Mr Eastwood added: "Today's announcement pledges significant support to the City through recognising the important role the creative economy has in driving economic development, investment and regeneration."

95 Jobs Relocated To Londonderry

The Department of Social Development has announced the transfer of 95 jobs dealing with the state pension from Belfast to Londonderry. The Minister, Alex Attwood, said it was "good news for Derry", and said there would be no redundancies. The process of moving the posts will begin this autumn. The trade union, NIPSA, welcomed the move, though asked that no one would be "forcibly transferred" against their will. The Social Security Agency currently administers State Pensions from Belfast and Pension Credit from Derry and when the relocation is complete, in Spring 2012, both services will be administered from Derry. Mr Atwood added: "This move provides an opportunity to look at accommodation costs for the Social Security Agency at a time when the value of every penny of public expenditure must be weighed." He also maintained that staff who do not move to Derry would be redeployed within the Social Security Agency, the Department for Social Development or the wider civil service. NIPSA welcomed the transfer of jobs to areas outside of Belfast, but said they were "acutely conscious of the need to protect the rights of members currently working in the jobs".

(JG/KMcA)