Other News In Brief

Alliance Welcome Same-Sex Couples Fertility Treatment News

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said she is "absolutely delighted" after the Department of Health confirmed same-sex couples will be able to access fertility treatment at the Regional Fertility Clinic.

The Department said couples would be able to able to receive the fertility treatment, including IVF, through the NHS clinic at the Belfast facility.

Ms Armstrong said: "I am absolutely delighted by this news and the further step towards equality it means for same-sex couples.

"My thoughts are with all those who are going through fertility treatment and now all those who will soon be joining them. I will seek clarification from the Department on further details, including the criteria for proving infertility, but my thanks go to them for making this change.

"Congratulations go to everyone who made this possible - the campaign for fair access to fertility treatment has been a long one. I speak from experience when I say IVF and other treatments are no easy thing to go through, but now the wonderful staff at the Regional Fertility Clinic will be able to help all couples in Northern Ireland who want to go through that journey."

Two Men Arrested In Connection With Attack On A House In West Belfast

Specialist anti-terror police have arrested two men in connection with an attack on a house in West Belfast earlier this week.

A 47-year-old man was arrested in the Suffolk Road area of West Belfast while a 41-year-old man was arrested in the Glenwood area in Dunmurry.

Both men have been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite where they are being questioned by detectives.

It is understood that a suspected replica firearm, BB gun and mobile phones were seized during related house searches.

Sinn Féin Hit Out At SDLP For 'Questioning Martin McGuiness' Integrity'

Sinn Fein MP Elisha McCallion has hit out at SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood for "questioning Martin McGuinness' integrity" following Arlene Foster's evidence to the RHI Inquiry.

The Foyle MP was speaking after the SDLP Leader revealed he has written to the Head of the Civil Service asking for clarification on 'who knew what and when' over Arlene Foster's claim that she had shared details of an RHI whistle-blower with Martin McGuinness.

"It is extremely disappointing that Colum Eastwood appears to be questioning the integrity of Martin McGuinness, a man who set the benchmark in good governance and who is no longer here to defend himself," she said.

"The RHI Inquiry was established by Sinn Féin Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir. The entire issue was brought to a head by Martin McGuinness who resigned in protest at the DUP's behaviour in government.

"Arlene Foster's claim will be examined by the inquiry and Sinn Féin are entirely confident that he will be completely vindicated.

"Colum Eastwood is of course free to seek whatever documentation he likes from the Head of the Civil Service but it should also be noted that the inquiry evidence statements from the former Head of the Civil Service and departmental permanent secretary have already been published and did not support Arlene Foster's assertion. 

"It is also Sinn Féin's view that all the material to the inquiry should be made public and I have every confidence that Martin's impeccable record of integrity, decency and fairness will be fully exonerated.

"The SDLP should allow the Inquiry to do its job."