Other News In Brief

SDLP Calls For NI Water To Introduce A Strategy

SDLP Regional Development spokesperson John Dallat MLA has said all profit made by NI Water must be used to improve our water infrastructure, particularly in areas where flooding is a recurrent problem.

Mr Dallat said that NI Water must come up with a long-term strategy to improve drainage and sewerage systems.

The East Derry MLA said: "This demonstrates the absence of any serious long-term planning for investment in new infrastructure in water and sewerage by NI Water.

"People, particularly those who had their homes flooded will be aghast that money, which should have been factored into new drainage systems, is going back to the Department.

"Those who frequently experience pipe bursts or are living in areas where the sewerage systems must be updated to meet EU regulations will also be asking questions.

"Sending back money from an organisation that is tottering on the brink of failure is not a good omen for future stability in the industry."

Political Prisoners Advised To Check Insurance Policies

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA Pat Sheehan said former political prisoners should follow the advice issued by Coiste na nIarchimí and check their car and home insurance policies.

Coiste na nIarchimí has called on former political prisoners to check their policies in order to make sure they are still covered regardless of their prison sentence.

The West Belfast MLA and former political prisoner said: "There is obviously a loop-hole in some policies were if you have been sentenced to more than two and a half years and don’t pro-actively contact your insurance company to let them know of this fact, then you actually may not be insured.

"Coiste na nIarchimí said that this refers to just some insurance companies and I want to reiterate the call for former prisoners to contact their insurance company to get confirmation that they are still insured regardless of their prison sentence."

(CD)