Other News In Brief

UUP Slams SF For Refusing To Agree To The NCA

The Ulster Unionist Party’s Justice Spokesman Tom Elliott has condemned Sinn Fein's refusal to agree to the National Crime Agency being allowed to operate in Northern Ireland.

Mr Elliott said: "It is an absolute disgrace that Sinn Fein is blocking the operation of the National Crime Agency in Northern Ireland. The NCA will combat organised crime including gangs involved in drug and people trafficking like a British version of the FBI, and it would be outrageous if Sinn Fein were permitted to create a situation whereby Northern Ireland did not enjoy the protection afforded by having the NCA operate here.    

"I raised the matter with the Justice Minister at Stormont today, but his answer was less than satisfactory and he merely confirmed that no agreement had been reached but wouldn’t comment on who was holding matters up.

"The Ulster Unionist Party received a great deal of criticism almost exactly two years ago when we voiced our concerns that the time was not right to devolve policing and justice powers to Northern Ireland.

"Those who dismissed our concerns and brought about the Hillsborough Agreement of February 2010 need to step forward now and explain exactly how and why they have brought us to a place whereby not only are the citizens of Northern Ireland to be denied the protection of the National Crime Agency but there is a genuine risk that criminal gangs will be able to operate more freely here than in the rest of the United Kingdom and use Northern Ireland as a base from which to operate on the Mainland."

O'Dowd Attends Education World Forum

Sharing best practice and learning from the experiences of others are central to raising educational standards.

That was the message from Education Minister, John O’Dowd as he attended the 2013 Education World Forum in London. The annual summit for Ministers of Education from around the world is an internationally recognised forum for debating future practice in education.

Speaking at the event the Minister said: "I welcome the opportunity to attend this Forum and to engage with other Ministers and educationalists from around the world. I am firmly of the belief that if we are to build a truly world class education system we need to constantly strive for excellence and identify ways to improve. A strong education system is essential if we are to grow the economy for the benefit of all in society. To achieve this aim we must compare ourselves to, and learn from, other countries who perform better than we do.”

The Minister continued: "However, this Forum is not just about learning from others. We already have much to be proud of in our education system and I have no doubt that others will look at aspects of our system and will aspire to achieve the same high levels.

"For example, a recent significant international report outlined the exceptional results our system is producing at primary level education. In numeracy we rank just behind a group of high performing Pacific-rim countries, whilst in both reading and numeracy we are the highest ranked English-speaking region in the world. I am sure that many other countries will be looking at these results and will be keen to learn more about the policies and initiatives we have in place."

Concern Over Bank Of Ireland Closures

South Down Alliance spokesperson, Councillor Patrick Clarke, has expressed his disappointment at the news Bank of Ireland is to close two branches in South Down, in Rathfriland and Kilkeel.

Bank of Ireland is set to close nine of its smaller branches across Northern Ireland in total, with closures coming into effect by June.

Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke said: "The impending Bank of Ireland closures in Rathfriland and Kilkeel will have implications for staff and their families, as well as implications for customers and local businesses in terms of quality and the accessibility of service they can expect following this announcement.

"Both Bank of Ireland branches in Kilkeel and Rathfriland provide an important day to day banking service for local businesses and the wider community which both branches and their dedicated staff have served over many years."

(CD)