Other News In Brief

Call For Parents To Apply For Free School Meals

All families entitled to free school meals are being urged to take up the entitlement.

Education Minister John O'Dowd said he is committed to raising standards in education and closing the achievement gap for young people from more disadvantaged backgrounds.

He said: "A child who is hungry may have difficulty concentrating in class and therefore be more likely to fall behind their peers if the issue is not addressed. In contrast eating a healthy school meal can improve a child's concentration, their behaviour and ability to learn in class which will ultimately lead to improved educational outcomes."

AECOM Selected To Develop Masterplan For Banbridge

Consultancy firm AECOM has been appointed to develop a Masterplan for Banbridge, Co Down.

The Masterplan will set out a future vision for the areas in and around Banbridge town centre, and identify key regeneration sites for the future development of the area as a thriving and competitive town.

The firm will prepare a comprehensive, detailed and sustainable Masterplan which will identify the full regeneration potential for the area.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor Darryn Causby said: "A considerable amount of work has been undertaken by the former Banbridge District Council to develop and strengthen Banbridge town centre in recent years. It is important that this vision and dedication to town centre development continues within the new Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

"The projects and targets identified within previous council's Development Strategy for 2009 - 2015 have largely been achieved and we are very keen to embark upon the next phase of development."

SDLP Hits Out At Ministerial Group

The SDLP has hit out at a Ministerial group set up to tackle Domestic and Sexual violence that has not met in the last three years.

SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly said she was "appalled" at the findings.

Mrs Kelly said: "As an MLA I tabled amendments to the Justice Bill to introduce Domestic Violence Protection Orders to protect the victims of abusive partners as soon as an issue presents itself. On average five people are murdered by their partners across Northern Ireland Every year, in that context Clare's law is an important weapon in our arsenal against those who inflict physical and psychological abuse on their partners.

"The inability of this group of Ministers to even meet to discuss the prevention of domestic and sexual violence is a shocking dereliction of duty and reveals the priorities of those involved."

(CD)