Other News In Brief

Pupils Praised On Biodiversity Project

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill today received a presentation on the nesting and breeding habits of the tree sparrow in the Lough Beg area. 
The Minister learnt more about the biodiversity project during a visit to St Pius X College where she met pupils from the College and Rainey Endowed School in Magherafelt who have completed the project. Ciaran Burns from St. Pius X College and Daniel Rainey and Stuart Thomson of the Rainey Endowed School, completed this project outside of the school curriculum.

Minister O’Neill said: "Ciaran, Daniel and Stuart have shown immense dedication to gathering information about the tree sparrow, which has suffered a major decline in numbers over the past few years which is partly due to changing agricultural practices.

"This project shows that farmers can help make a difference by managing their land to benefit the environment. Over 12,000 farmers who take part in DARD’s agri-environment schemes are helping to enhance biodiversity by managing habitats on their land to benefit farmland birds such as the tree sparrow."

Positive Step For Age Discrimination Motion

Sinn Féin MLA Megan Fearon has welcomed the motion passed in the Assembly, which called upon the office of First and Deputy First Ministers to ensure that in delivering on the Programme For Government commitment, to extend age discrimination legislation to the provision of goods, facilities and services, the legislation affords protection to everyone regardless of age.

Ms. Megan said: "This motion having passed, demonstrates the Assembly’s endorsement of the need to ensure both our children and young people as well as our older persons are protected against discrimination in respect of goods, facilities and services, in an array of areas, be it health, education or financial services

"We now need to realise that everyone in society has rights and work towards respecting people regardless of age, when it comes to provision of goods, facilities and services. A particular area of concern is in respect to the provision of mental health services and facilities for children and young people. The current under provision and in some cases, complete lack of provision, is nothing short of a disgrace."

Call For Govt To Cut 'Toxic Tax'

DUP Deputy Leader has called on the Prime Minister to do more to help people affected by the high cost of living by reducing the 'toxic tax' of fuel duty.

Mr Dodds made the call at Prime Ministers Questions today in the House of Commons.

Speaking from Westminster the North Belfast MP said: "Petrol and diesel prices are set to rise to near record levels at the pumps, and this is having a devastating effect on many people already affected by the increased cost of living.

"Whilst the Prime Minister and the Government have moved not to impose planned increases in fuel duty they should take further action to cut this 'toxic tax'."

(CD)