Other News In Brief

Campaign Launched Targeting Buying Drugs Online

The PSNI has launched a new campaign warning of the dangers of buying drugs online.

Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership is working with the PSNI and Crimestoppers to highlight the campaign.

Targeted at parents the campaign asks them to be aware of what their children are buying over the Internet.

PCSP Vice Chair Leanne Abernethy explains: "It's vitally important that parents, especially those whose children have online access, are vigilant about what they could be buying."

Chief Inspector Ian Magee said: "Monitoring what your children are accessing online can keep them safe from a lot of potential dangers. However, as a parent myself, I understand that this isn't always possible, especially when the Internet is so accessible via mobile phones and other devices. Speak openly to your child about the dangers of illegal drugs including psychoactive substances, ensure the appropriate settings are activated on their devices and if you are suspicious then take an active interest in any packages delivered to your home addressed directly to your children. The more information we can give young people on the dangers of ordering substances online, the better we can protect them." 

A spokesperson for Crimestoppers says the organisation is happy to be part of this important awareness raising campaign.

"We would like to reassure anyone with information that talking to the charity is completely anonymous and safe," they said.

First Minister On Trade Mission In US

The First Minister Arlene Foster is to travel to America this week for a series of investment, tourism and legal sector engagements.

The First Minister will meet with a range of potential new investors in New York and will address a Tourism Ireland event. She will also attend a major International Bar Association Conference in Washington where she will be a key speaker.

Speaking ahead of the visit the First Minister Arlene Foster said: "As First Minister, I am getting on with the business of promoting Northern Ireland to a global audience.

"The message I am taking to the US is that Northern Ireland is a great place to live, invest and grow business and I will unashamedly repeat this to a full range of potential new investors.

Shared Education Signature Project Extended

Education Minister, Peter Weir, has announced an additional opportunity to access the £25million for the Delivering Social Change Shared Education Signature Project.

The Programme has been extended to June 2019 and is designed to further embed shared education practices in schools that have already engaged in shared education.

The Minister said: "Shared Education is now well established across Northern Ireland with approximately 134 partnerships involving 314 schools who have successfully applied for funding and are now actively engaged in the Programme. Opening another call for funding will help to further embed the good practice and learning which is already established to deliver improved outcomes for our children, young people and wider society."

The Shared Education Signature Programme is funded by the Executive, the Atlantic Philanthropies and the Department of Education and requires schools to progress their current level of collaboration.

In conclusion the Minister said: "I am aware of the difficult financial restraints facing schools and this funding for sharing could really help make a difference to many schools and their pupils. I encourage all eligible schools to consider applying."

(MH)