Other News In Brief

Changing Population Will Impact On Learning Disability Nursing

An expected rise in the number of people with learning disabilities means the nursing workforce will need to adapt, according to a new report published today.
 'Strengthening the Commitment', the report of the UK Modernising Learning Disabilities Nursing Review was launched today by the Minister for Public Health in Scotland, Michael Matheson on behalf of all four UK governments.

Health Minister Edwin Poots said: "I believe that it is vitally important that health and social care services should be driven by, and responsive to the needs of all our population including people with learning disabilities.

"There is an increasing demand for specialist care which responds appropriately to the unique needs of all individuals regardless of age and in particular those living in the community."

The programme of work involved a four-country partnership approach and included wide stakeholder involvement.

Ó Snodaigh seeks to amend Social Welfare Bill

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social Protection Aengus Ó Snodaigh has tabled a range of amendments to the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012, the main focus of which are on lone parents and pension funds investment.

Speaking this morning Deputy Ó Snodaigh said: "I have tabled amendments aimed at making the commencement of the reduction in the lone parent payment scheme cut-off age legally dependent on the prior introduction of sufficient additional after-school care provision. This would give legal effect to the hollow promise made by the Minister last week that she would not implement the changes without a bankable commitment on childcare from the government. If the Minister meant what she said last week she should have no problem supporting my amendments.

"I have also tabled amendments that would require 7 percent of private pension fund resources to be invested in an Irish Green energy fund which would promote energy efficiency, tackle fuel poverty and create 50,000 jobs over 3 years."

4,600 New Social Homes To Be Built Across NI

Plans to build 4600 new social homes across Northern Ireland have been announced by Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland.

The social housing development programme for 2012/13 to 2014/15 sets out plans to build 4,600 new homes for rent, using government funding of £268 million combined with match funding from the housing association movement. Work has already started to deliver the first 1,325 new homes this year.

Minister McCausland said: "The Executive's Programme for Government set a target of 8000 social and affordable homes by 2015 and this social housing programme keeps us firmly on course to achieve this.

"The provision of high quality, energy efficient housing is a key priority for my department. This new programme has been directed at the widest possible range of general and supported housing needs throughout all parts of Northern Ireland and will make a significant difference to the lives of a great many people.

(CD)