Other News In Brief

Alliance Calls For Meeting With Chief Constable

The Alliance Party is seeking a meeting with the Chief Constable after a senior police officer claimed a banner celebrating the killing of four men would be offensive to some but not others.

The banner, which contains an image of LVF leader Billy Wright, was erected in Dungannon two weeks ago. It quotes Wright saying: "I would look back and say Cappagh was probably our best," referring to the killing of four people in a gun attack in the Tyrone village in 1991.

However, Inspector Keith Jamieson said police "must attempt to achieve a balance between the rights of one community over another… there is no doubt this sign will be perceived by some to be offensive but not by others and while we are sensitive to the feelings of victims' families, the PSNI must attempt to achieve a balance between the rights of one community over another and of course must act within the law."

Alliance Justice spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA said: "Any glorification of terrorism or murder, no matter which quarter it originates from, is wrong and in direct contravention of the Terrorism Act 2000. For the police to compound this by stating the killing of four people needs to be balanced by its praise is nothing short of disgraceful. The PSNI certainly has questions to answer over this matter and Alliance has requested a meeting with the Chief Constable regarding it."

Work To Begin To Develop New Cell Block At Maghaberry Prison

Construction work is to begin to develop a new cell block at Maghaberry Prison near Lisburn, Northern Ireland.

The new £55 million facility will include 360 cells on three levels and is expected to be completed by 2019.

Justice Minister Claire Sugden visited the site and cut the first sod.

She said: "This occasion marks an important step in the development of the prison estate in Northern Ireland. The new block will deliver modern and fit for purpose accommodation and allow at least three old square house blocks to be closed. Its design and specification will improve efficiency and create a decent and respectful environment for both staff and prisoners.

"This represents a significant investment in Maghaberry which will eventually see the site developing as three mini prisons."

Director General of the NI Prison Service Sue McAllister said: "Investment in the prison estate in Northern Ireland is fundamental to the ongoing modernisation of the prison service. The creation of an additional 360 cell accommodation block at Maghaberry is one key element of NIPS strategy to deliver a fit for purpose estate. Modern and well-designed accommodation encourages positive engagement between staff and prisoners and facilitates the delivery of better tailored regimes to assist prisoners in addressing their offending behaviour."

Eligible Patients In NI To Receive New Drugs To Treat Rare Conditions

Health Minister Michelle O'Neill has announced that eligible patients in Northern Ireland will receive innovative new drugs for the treatment of very rare conditions.

The drugs, evaluated under the Highly Specialised Technology Programme of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), will be made available to patients with very rare conditions including atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome, mucopolysaccharidosis type IVa and Duchenne muscular dystrophy caused by a nonsense mutation.

The Minister said: "I am delighted to announce the availability of these drugs to allow patients with very rare conditions to receive pioneering new treatments. Whilst there are only a handful of people affected by these conditions, the new drugs have the potential to make a real impact on their quality of life.

"For the very first time, there are drugs available that could keep children with one form of muscular dystrophy out of a wheelchair for up to seven years; that could avoid end stage renal failure for people with atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome; or could relieve some of the symptoms of mucopolysaccharidosis type IVa."

(CD/JP)