Other News In Brief

Demolition Work Continues In North Belfast

Phase two of demolition work has started in north Belfast.

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive appointed contractors to demolish the current properties in the Fortwilliam Parade area to make way for new social homes to be developed.

The new properties will consist of eight two bedroom homes and one wheelchair bungalow.

North Belfast Area Manager, Malachy McKinney, is pleased with the progress to date explaining: "On behalf of the team I'd like to thank local people for their patience with this work and acknowledge their ongoing support for our work in the area."

The first phase of the area's redevelopment was completed last year with 22 new homes delivered by its housing association partner, Choice.

Illegal Labour Arrests Welcomed

East Belfast DUP MLA Robin Newton has described the two Northern Ireland restaurants found to be making use of illegal labour as 'shameful exploitation of human beings'.

Mr Newton said: "That two local takeaways are found to be exploiting Chinese and Somali labour as they serve the public is a disgusting way to make a profit.

"Those involved in such illegal activity deserve to feel the full weight of the law. Not only do they exploit those entering the country to work illegally but they destroy community relationships with local people.

"Illegally using and abusing vulnerable people is greatly resented by the vast majority of Northern Ireland's people who view the practice as repulsive.

"The use of illegal labour also robs people of the opportunity to work, deprives the exchequer of money to fund vital public services and undermines businesses who are operating legitimately."

Alliance Accuses Ministers Of Disrespecting NI Assembly

The First Minister and Deputy First Minister have been accused of showing an utter lack of respect for the NI Assembly after it was revealed neither had attended its meetings for over a year.

Alliance MLA Chrs Lyttle said the non-appearance of either Peter Robinson or Martin McGuinness at the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) Committee since June 2014 was "showing contempt for public transparency and the democratic process".

Mr Lyttle said: "It was in fact June 2014 when the First Minister and deputy First Minister last appeared before the committee, which is a disgracefully long time. It shows an utter lack of respect for the Assembly, their MLA colleagues, the public and indeed democracy as a whole.

"Committees play a vital role in Assembly business, holding Ministers to account, while advising and helping develop policy. However, this process cannot take place unless the relevant Minister participates fully and openly. That is clearly not the case in OFMDFM."

(CD/JP)