Other News In Brief

SDLP Calls For Talks To 'Intensify'

The SDLP has called for all-party talks to intensify if a resolution to outstanding issues is to be reached in the weeks ahead.

North Belfast MLA Nichola Mallon said the party is "deeply frustrated" with the slow pace of dialogue so far.

She said: "Over the past number of days, we've heard the Secretary of State refer to the urgent need to bring parties back around the table to deliver a resolution to outstanding issues in the 'short window' available.

'Yet when the SDLP has requested meetings, including an urgent round table involving all parties even on the less contentious issues, we’ve been told that these cannot be facilitated until the talks recommence formally. It is astounding and deeply frustrating that the pace of negotiations is so slow when the time available is so limited.

"From tomorrow, community and voluntary sector organisations are being left with no choice but to look at having to let staff go because we have no government in place and no budget agreed. Meanwhile the number of people left languishing on hospital waiting lists is growing. For these people time is critical."

Work Begins On Resurfacing Scheme In Belfast

Construction work has begun on footway and carriageway resurfacing projects in Belfast.

The schemes, in Hillside Drive, Hillside Park and Hillside Gardens, are expected to be completed by 26 May 2017.

Local access for residents will be maintained at all times during the scheme.

Call For Review Of Autism Assessments For Adults

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has called for a review of the assessment process for adults with autism.

She said: "It is clear PIPs assessors have not received appropriate training or have any understanding of autism. In a number of cases, carers are being prevented from helping young adults respond during interviews. In other situations, carers who have been appointed or who are already registered legal guardians are being ignored, leaving the young adult with autism unable to respond to the complex questions.

"In other circumstances, PIPs has been refused because the assessor has not fully understood autism or how people with autism can mask the condition in order to comply with social conventions.

"We need an Executive up and running so the Department for Communities can urgently review its assessment process, train its assessors and reveal how many applications have been refused due to the failure of assessors to understand the disability."

(CD)