Other News In Brief

'Extraordinary Audit' Of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Accounts Ordered

The Local Government Auditor has been directed to hold an extraordinary audit of the accounts of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council concentrating on land disposals and easements and related asset management policies and procedures.

The Audit has been ordered by Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín. She said: "I have taken this step as I have concerns about land disposals and easements made by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

"Minister Hargey previously asked the Council to provide details of any disposals and easements at less than best price including when Departmental approval was sought and obtained for such disposals. Under local government legislation a council should not dispose of land at less than best price except with the approval of my Department. My Department has never received any applications from the Council concerning proposals to sell land at an under value.

"Therefore, in order to have an independent review, I have directed the Local Government Auditor to hold an extraordinary audit of the accounts of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council concentrating on land disposals and easements and related asset management policies and procedures.

"I would hope that this work is undertaken at the earliest opportunity."

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone Introduced Across NI

Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has announced the introduction of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) in Northern Ireland.

The AIPZ places a legal requirement on all bird keepers in NI to follow strict biosecurity measures. This applies if you keep pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard or hobby flock.

The decision to introduce an AIPZ follows the detection of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 (HPAI H5N8) in five wild birds across NI in recent weeks. Further cases of AI have been detected in over 100 wild birds across Great Britain with five cases of the H5N8 strain being confirmed in commercial premises in England. There have also been three reported cases in wild birds in the Republic of Ireland where similar measures are also being introduced on 1 December.

Announcing the introduction of the AIPZ, Minister Poots said: "In recent weeks the Department has detected highly pathogenic Avian Influenza in five wild birds across Northern Ireland. It is clear that the virus is now present here and I have therefore taken the decision to declare an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone from 1 December based on sound expert advice and in consultation with industry.

"This is a necessary precautionary step that requires all bird keepers to take appropriate action to review and enhance the measures to protect their birds from this highly infectious disease."

Alliance Mark World Aids Day

While progress has been made in improving the health outcomes for HIV patients, stigma still comes with a positive diagnosis.

Marking World AIDS Day, Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA said the day is an opportunity to reflect on how isolating a diagnosis can be and how misconceptions about the virus can still cause damage to those who live with HIV.

She said: "Negative attitudes can have serious consequences and make it less likely those with the condition will seek diagnosis. The stigma around HIV and AIDS can also prevent people from speaking about it, and that can come with real life consequences for the health and wellbeing of those who are positive.

"It is incumbent on all of us to educate ourselves about the illness, combat misinformation and offer our support to those who live with the virus. I welcome the developments in effective drug treatments enabling most people to live a long and healthy life, whilst recognising there is still work to do to find a cure.

"I commend all those who continue to raise awareness about the condition, and hope with time the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS will become a thing of the past."