Other News In Brief

Ford Criticises Brokenshire Comments

Alliance MLA David Ford has criticised comments on the balance of prosecutions made by the Secretary of State.

Mr Ford said: "Politicians have a duty to support the impartial operation of the institutions of the Justice system. The comments from James Brokenshire on prosecutions come perilously close to interfering in the rule of law.

"The police, whether PSNI, Garda or forces in Great Britain, have the duty to investigate crime and prepare reports for the prosecution services, who have a duty to consider the evidence before them without fear or favour. If evidence exists of serious crimes being committed, then the alleged perpetrators must be brought to court."

Co Antrim Firm Secures First Orders For Sewerage Treatment System

A Co Antrim firm has secured its first orders for its sewage treatment system in Republic of Ireland and Isle of Man.

Aerotank in Randalstown manufactures large underground septic tanks and targets builders' merchants, architects and self-build customers throughout Ireland.

Over the past four years, Aerotank has successfully commercialised this product with support from Invest Northern Ireland. The company has also recruited seven additional staff in sales, technical, production and office management roles.

Technical support from Invest NI enabled the company to produce a prototype, undertake laboratory testing and secure CE Marking for the product.

Business owner James Mullan said: "We recognised the market opportunity to develop a domestic wastewater treatment system that would produce effluent water at an efficiency rating which is not currently available in Northern Ireland.

"Invest NI support enabled us to develop a prototype and secure the patent and CE marking accreditations we needed to commercialise our innovative system.

"The orders secured in Republic of Ireland and Isle of Man to date is an encouraging and will help us leverage additional sales among our target customer base."

UUP Concerned Over Ongoing Teachers' Strikes

Ulster Unionist Education Spokesperson and Assembly candidate for Mid-Ulster, Sandra Overend, has expressed continued concerns over the ongoing teachers' strikes.

Mrs Overend said: "As teachers prepare to stage a strike across Fermanagh, Tyrone and Londonderry we must look ahead to the future of education in Northern Ireland. Is this really what we want the future to look like in our schools?

"We need to take serious long term action, as soon as possible, to secure a realistic working model for education that delivers what each pupil really needs - to learn, to have their potential recognised, and to be inspired. Teachers want to get on with delivering this and parents want to see their children happy, content and fulfilled.

"Unfortunately the situation in schools at the moment is extremely grim – teachers are on strike, most schools are projecting deficits over the next couple of years and the Area Plan threatens schools with closure.

"Let's find a way forward on funding education from the early years right through to the proud day they get their first full-time job or start their own business. A way can be found if we have an Education Minister and an Executive who are willing to do the job."

(CD)