Other News In Brief

Health Workers To Receive Pay Increase

Health and Social Care staff are to receive a pay increase.

Health Minister Michelle O'Neill made the announcement which has been welcomed by Sinn Féin MLA Dáithí McKay.

He said: "More than 55,000 workers across the north will benefit from this announcement.

"Despite significant financial pressures brought about by the austerity agenda of the Tory government at Westminster, Minister O'Neill has worked hard to ensure that our health care workers are recognised.

"Health workers play a key role in our society and this pay award is fully deserved."

Almost £19m Invested In Mid-Ulster Road Schemes

Almost £19 million has been invested in road projects in the Mid-Ulster Council area in the last year, the Infrastructure Minister has confirmed.

A total of £18.8m has been put into road schemes which are ongoing throughout the area.

Minister Chris Hazzard said: "Work continues on the £35 million A31 Magherafelt Bypass and the scheme is on target to open later this year. Completion of this project will provide significant benefits not only to through traffic but also to the many residents and businesses within Magherafelt.

"Work on the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson dualling project continues to progress with the intention that the scheme will commence in autumn 2016 and completion in 2020.

"The A5 Western Transport Corridor will also provide benefit to the Mid Ulster area. In February 2016, a new Environmental Statement and draft Orders were published for the project. A Public Inquiry has been programmed for autumn 2016 and, subject to the successful completion of all the statutory procedures, it is hoped that construction can commence in late 2017 on Phase 1A (between New Buildings and north of Strabane) in line with the 'Fresh Start' Agreement. However I am currently looking at options to maximise delivery of the A5 project within the current mandate."

Call For Irish Passport Offices To Open In Belfast And L'Derry

SDLP North Belfast MLA Nichola Mallon has called for greater North/South Integration in the wake of the EU referendum vote.

Ms Mallon was speaking after the SDLP met with Minister Charlie Flanagan about the Irish Government response to the referendum and their duty to people in Northern Ireland.

She said: "The Irish Government now has a critical role to play in safeguarding the rights and entitlements of people in the North as citizens of the European Union. As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, the Irish Government has a duty to uphold the principle of consent and the people of the North made it very clear last Thursday – we do not consent to being forced out of Europe.

"Given the stated will of the people of Northern Ireland, it’s critical that we accelerate the process of North/South integration and cooperation. One early way of advancing that project is to establish passport offices in Belfast and Derry to meet the surge in demand for Irish passports as people here seek to protect their European citizenship and entitlements. The Executive must provide resources to ensure that happens immediately."

(CD)