Other News In Brief

Construction Body Boosts Funds For Industry Training

CITB-ConstructionSkills NI are now working in direct partnership with federations and industry bodies to help fund demand led training within the local construction industry. This scheme, formally titled 'Tier 2' is integrated as part of the already existing training grants scheme and is essentially more proactive and flexible in working in partnership with the industry.

There is £10,000 available in 'Tier 2' grant funding and federations and or representative bodies have to apply in order to be eligible for consideration. Since the inception of the scheme over 500 individuals have been trained in areas such as Pre Qualification Questionnaires, Sustainable Construction, Business Improvement and basic estimating.

Irish Language Funding Stand-Off Must End

SDLP Irish Language spokesperson Dominic Bradley said that the stand-off between Foras na Gaeilge and the core-funded Irish languages regarding the model for the funding of Irish language development must end.

Speaking after senior officials of Foras gave evidence to the Assembly's Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee the Newry and Armagh MLA said: “The present stand-off on funding issues with Foras in one corner and the core funded groups in the other is not to the benefit of positive promotion and development of the Irish language across the whole island.

"There is a clear need for a compromise position to be reached - one which satisfies to the greatest extent possible the needs of both partners in this equation.

"The present situation has gone on for too long and we do not seem to be any nearer to reaching a satisfactory conclusion.

"At the end of the day, all parties to this dispute should bear in mind that the main aim in all of this is the promotion and development of the Irish language in the most efficient and effective way possible."

Sports Minister Opens Multi-Sport Day At Queens

The Sports Minister has encouraged girls to become more involved in sport.
The Minister was speaking at the ‘Girls Multi-Sport Try It’ day at Queens University Playing Fields in Belfast. The event is a unique collaboration between Ulster Hockey, Ulster Camogie, Ulster Ladies Gaelic, Ulster Rugby and the Irish Football Association aimed at increasing opportunities for women and girls to participate in sport.

Carál Ní Chuilín said: “Despite the fact that women make up half the population of Ireland, evidence suggests that they participate far less in sport than men.

“I am committed to addressing the imbalance in participation rates. Initiatives such as this one actively provide opportunities for girls to take part in sports they may never have played before."

(CD/GK)