Other News In Brief

Alliance Call For Minimum Alcohol Pricing

The Alliance Party is advocating for minimum pricing units on alcohol sales in Northern Ireland, based on the successful introduction of the policy in Scotland.

Paula Bradshaw MLA said the case is becoming clearer after a study showed its introduction in Scotland has cut consumption by over half a pint per week.

After minimum unit prices were set at 50p, alcohol consumption in England and Wales had increased slightly, but had fallen in Scotland, research has shown.

"I have been clear the case for introducing minimum pricing for alcohol must be based on the evidence, and we are now far enough past the its introduction in Scotland to be able to assess the impact fairly," the south Belfast MLA said.

"The study by Newcastle University not only shows alcohol consumption in Scotland has fallen since the introduction of minimum unit pricing, but it has done so while rising in England and Wales. The difference, therefore, does appear stark.

"We do, of course, need to assess whether there could have been other policy interventions or social changes responsible for this, and no one is arguing minimum pricing in itself is the only solution. However, the case for it has been strengthened by this study, and should further studies demonstrate similar outcomes then there will be an unanswerable case for similar measures to be taken in Northern Ireland."

SF Demand Assessment Of Timber Clad Housing Amid Recent Fires

A call has been issued for the assessment of the safety of timber-clad housing in Northern Ireland following recent fires in England.

A number of timber-clad properties in England have been seriously damaged with fire safety experts issuing warnings about untreated timber.

These events have prompted Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chulín to write to the Department of Communities and Housing Executive on the issue.

"Recent fires in England involving timber-cladding on buildings is deeply concerning and follow warnings from fire safety experts about untreated timber," said the north Belfast MLA.

"It's unclear whether similar materials are currently in use here in the north.

"I have written to the Department of Communities and the Housing Executive seeking clarity on what materials were used on properties.

"Authorities have a responsibility to identify any buildings at risk and ensure the current regulation and inspection regime is fit for purpose and that the safety of householders is not being compromised."

Classical Musical Concerts For Pre-School Children

The Belfast Music Society (BMS) has launched a new series of live classical music concerts for pre-school children, aged beween one and three.

Chamber Cherubs was set up in partnership with The Crescent Arts Centre, supported by National Lottery funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

All Chamber Cherubs concerts are performed by professional classical musicians from Northern Ireland and present selections of short classical pieces that are carefully chosen to be suitable for young children and adults alike. The shows are very informal and children are welcome to walk, dance or just chill out to a careful selection of short classical pieces designed both to engage and enchant.

It comes as the BMS continues its promotion of live classical chamber music, reaching out to children as well as adults.

Head of Music at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Ciaran Scullion highlighted the benefits of targeting young children with classical music.

He said: "The importance of introducing children to music and the arts at an early age cannot be overestimated. Belfast Music Society continues to bring the best in classical chamber music and local classical artists to audiences in Belfast and we're delighted to see the launch of the new Chamber Cherubs series which is sure to be a hit with families everywhere."

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(JG/CM)