Other News In Brief

‘Líofa Launched’ At Balmoral Show

Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín and Agriculture Minister Michele O’Neill have joined up to bring the Líofa road show to Balmoral in order to reach out to the rural community and to broaden the appeal of the Irish Language.

Líofa, meaning fluent in Irish, aims to encourage people from all walks of life to sign up to be fluent in Irish by 2015.

Speaking at the show Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said “ Statistics have shown many of us have ‘some knowledge’ of the Irish language, this initiative encourages people to go one step further and become fluent in the language. It represents part of our shared cultural heritage and I would encourage everyone to get involved and along with me become Líofa by 2015.

“Enthusiasm for learning the Irish language has continued to grow. There are a number of ways of learning and helping people to improve their Irish. I realise some people in rural areas may find that classes are hard to access however there are also online resources and community groups who meet to converse in Irish. This initiative aims to signpost people to such groups and resources and to support and encourage them along their Líofa journey – Lean Leat go Líofacht 2015!”

Evaluation Of The 2009-2011 Bamford Action Plan Published

Health Minister Edwin Poots today announced the publication of an Evaluation of the 2009-2011 Bamford Action Plan.

The Northern Ireland Executive’s response to the findings of the Bamford Review led to the publication in October 2009 of the 2009-2011 Bamford Action Plan. The plan contains agreed actions and timescales for Northern Ireland Government Departments and Health and Social Care sectors.

This Evaluation assesses if the Bamford 2009-2011 Action Plan has achieved its purpose and the investments in mental health and learning disability services were appropriately targeted and are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who use services.

The Minister said: “I remain committed to the Bamford Vision and to the development of mental health and learning disability services to meet the needs of service users, their carers and families.”

Almost A Quarter Of Buses Fail Roadside Checks

The Environment Minister Alex Attwood has insisted that standards must be raised after it emerged that almost a quarter of buses tested at the roadside were either defective or committing an offence.

He was speaking after official statistics on bus compliance rates in Northern Ireland were published: This is the first major report into these levels within our bus industry, I believe that it puts a spotlight on bus operators. It is not good reading.” Minister Attwood commented.

“While the figures show that seven out of every nine buses are fully compliant, when roadworthiness defects and serious traffic offences detections are combined, a figure approaching a quarter (22.6%) are not.

“This is not good enough, and a lot of work needs to be done to raise standards within the bus industry. As Minister, I have insisted that regulation is the way to go – for hauliers, taxis, and bus and coach operators. The regulatory demands that I am and shall be rolling out across all of these sectors confirms this approach. This survey confirms I am right to adopt this approach.”

(CD/GK)