Other NI News In Brief

Junior Ministers Attend Launch Of Money Advice Service

Junior Ministers Jonathan Bell and Martina Anderson have attended the launch of a new online financial health check service. The Money Advice Service is a new independent service regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) which offers free financial advice to families. It will provide guidance over the telephone, online or during face-to-face appointments. Speaking at the launch, Mr Bell said that the service offers "free, unbiased money advice". He said: "It provides information on issues such as saving for the future; saving for university fees and saving for retirement." Ms Anderson said that the service allowed families "to take charge and stay in control of their finances". She said: "People can now learn how to manage their incomes better and make their income go further by constructing a budget plan and appreciating the costs of everyday living. Taking action at an early stage can help prevent people from spiralling into debt and financial hardship."

Students Urged To Consider Careers In Agri-food Sector

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill has called school leavers to consider a career in the agri-food industry. Speaking at a recent three-day event, 'Feed Your Mind', which was held at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE's) Loughry Campus, the Minister said that the industry had "weathered the recent economic storms" and was continuing to increase revenue, as well as expand and create new jobs. She said: "The sector offers career stability and a proven track record, which I intend to work hard to develop further over the course of this Assembly term I hope we can realise this much greater potential through the local 'Food Strategy', which has been developed in collaboration with DETI and InvestNI."

McCausland Announces Funding Boost For Kilmacormick Resource Centre

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced a funding boost of nearly £16,000 for the Kilmacormick Resource Centre in Enniskillen. The funding will be used to prepare plans and a schedule of works for the extension of the resource centre. Activities currently running in the centre include health programmes, senior citizens and the local play group. The Minister said: "This project will provide real and significant benefits to people in the Enniskillen Neighbourhood Renewal Area. I want to target resources in a way which has maximum impact and I want to work with communities to achieve that. This organisation at the heart of the community will offer invaluable services to local people." The new centre will provide additional office space and more health activities, as well as community education courses and activities for young people. This venue will pull together all community-based activities which are currently running between a number of venues. The centre supports the local community, including many from throughout Enniskillen Neighbourhood Renewal Area. This project will be managed by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

(KMcA/GK)