Other News In Brief

More Progress Needed On Driving Test Backlog

More progress is needed on the backlog of practical driving test appointments, North Down DUP MLA Stephen Dunne has said.

The MLA raised the issue in the NI Assembly with the Infrastructure Minister this week and is shocked that given the warnings of this backlog, action is only being taken now to address it.

Mr Dunne said: "I am shocked that DfI is only recruiting additional staff now. This should have been done this time last year when my colleagues Michelle McIlveen and Keith Buchanan were flagging up the need to plan long-term.

"Getting a practical driving test appointment can be a difficult task with significant backlogs still in place for a range of categories including car tests. There are thousands of new drivers who have passed their theory test and still cannot get a suitable driving test appointment at their nearest test centre. Some are even going to Scotland for their test. This is appalling.

"I do acknowledge the initial work done by the Department and the DVA to address this issue with the recruitment of additional examiners, new locations for testing and extended test hours during the evenings. However given the extent of this issue and the difficulty which many new drivers are continuing to have, further creative solutions are needed to address and resolve this backlog.

"This backlog has an adverse impact on many sectors and for individuals particularly for their employment and there are also issues within industry in relation to getting practical driving tests for other categories of larger vehicles.

"All of the measures introduced by the department have helped to bring down the number of people waiting on getting a test. When testing resumed in April for priority groups, there were over 22,000 people with a theory pass who had not booked their practical test. I will continue to press the Minister on the need to make further progress on this important issue."

Co Armagh Farmer Convicted Of Causing Unnecessary Suffering And Other Charges

A County Armagh farmer, 42-year-old Jason Pollock, has been convicted at Craigavon Magistrates' Court of one charge of causing unnecessary suffering, three charges of failure to comply with a duty imposed under the Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 and one charge of failure to dispose of an animal carcass.

Mr Pollock pleaded guilty and received a five month custodial sentence suspended for three years in respect of the unnecessary suffering charge he was disqualified from owning animals, keeping animals, participating in keeping animals, being party to an arrangement under which that person is entitled to control or influence the way in which animals are being kept, from dealing in animals, from transporting animals, arranging the transport of animals for eight years and fined £2,500.

He received a two month custodial sentence suspended for three years in respect the animal by-product charge plus a £2,000 fine.

In respect of the three charges of failing to comply a duty imposed by the legislation he was fined £2,250.

In total he received £6750 in fines and £15 offender levy.

The case arose, from an unannounced farmed animal welfare inspection by DAERA staff. The inspection was scheduled as a result of previous breaches of animal welfare Regulations and the number of reported deaths of cattle in the herd in recent months.

Everyone Urged To Get Vaccinated Amid Worries Over Spread Of Delta Variant

The SDLP's Health Spokesperson has encouraged "everyone to ensure they are taking up the opportunity to get vaccinated as worries grow about the spread of the Delta variant" – the Delta variant now accounts for 75% of all coronavirus cases in Northern Ireland.

Stormont's Chief Scientific Adviser has said that COVID-19 hospital admissions could be reduced by half by the end of July if 90% of the population have received their first dose by the end of July.

Increased take-up of the vaccine would result in hundreds fewer people suffering debilitating or life-threatening illness.

The call comes as health officials warn of a surge in cases by late summer due to the spread of the highly infectious Delta variant.

Mobile walk-in clinics are now being rolled out in a number of locations across Northern Ireland, and three centres (SSE Arena, Belfast; Seven Towers Leisure Centre, Ballymena and South Lake Leisure Centre, Craigavon) are now offering a walk-in service every day.

The East Derry MLA Cara Hunter said: "I am urging everyone to make sure they are taking the opportunity to get their first and second doses of the vaccine, which is the only way to protect our families, our communities and return normality back to all our lives.

"The Delta variant is now responsible for the vast majority of cases in Northern Ireland and it is vital we halt its spread by ensuring that everyone is vaccinated.

"After a very difficult year, we can see the finish line of this pandemic. But we will only reach it if society once again comes together and ensures we all get our vaccines."