Other News In Brief

Justice Reforms Welcome But 'More Work To Be Done' – Alliance

Alliance Justice Spokesperson Stewart Dickson has welcomed proposed changes within the Committal Reform Bill but said that "there is still work to do to bring the Justice system into the 21st century".

Speaking in the Assembly, Mr Dickson commended the work Justice Minister Naomi Long is taking forward, continuing to programme of reform begun by their Alliance colleague David Ford.

He said: "Committal reform has been on the agenda for some time and this bill will take great strides in speeding up justice, improving the experiences of victims in the system and ensure value for money for the taxpayer. The Covid-19 pandemic has only added strain to a system already vulnerable to delays, so this legislation is more important than ever."

Part B Of Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme To Open

The Economy Minister Diane Dodds has confirmed that applications are to open for Part B of the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme (CRBSS).

An online eligibility checker will be available from 6pm today (Wednesday 18 November), enabling businesses to check if they are eligible and begin gathering the supporting information needed to make their application. The scheme will open for applications at 6pm tomorrow (Thursday).

Part B of the CRBSS is aimed at businesses that supply goods and services, either directly or indirectly, to businesses defined in the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) Regulations. Part B is also aimed at businesses that are dependent on a business named in the Health Protection Restrictions (No.2) Regulations being open and fully operational in order for it to operate.

No Place For Paramilitaries In Modern Ireland – SDLP

There is no place in modern Ireland for paramilitaries, SDLP Policing Spokesperson Dolores Kelly has said.

The MLA made the comment following the publication of the Independent Reporting Commission's Third Report, which expressed their view that paramilitarism constitutes a 'clear and present danger' to communities across Northern Ireland.

Kelly said: "This Third IRC report underlines their previous findings about the unacceptable control exercised by paramilitary groups over communities across Northern Ireland. 22 years after the Good Friday Agreement, these people need to listen to the clear will of the people of Ireland who want them to disband and get off the backs of our communities.

"There is no justification for the continued existence of these groups, save to exercise coercive control over communities and protect criminal rackets.

"The return of the Executive fills a dangerous void that was allowed to drift for too long. But we need to scale up our approach to these groups. Our criminal justice response must seek to dismantle these organisations and those who are preying on the vulnerable in our communities while we also enhance capacity within those areas that have been infiltrated and infected by the poison of these gangs.

"There is no place for paramilitaries in modern Ireland. It's time we acted like it."