Other News In Brief

Ulster Transport Museum Is 'Good To Go'

The Ulster Transport Museum in Cultra is "Good to Go", as Economy Minister Gordon Lyons visits the site to see a new innovation exhibition.

The Minister met the Chief Executive of National Museums Northern Ireland (NMNI), Kathryn Thomson, in conjunction with Tourism NI, to explore the Museum of Innovation.

Speaking after the visit, Minister Lyons said: "This new Museum of Innovation adds to Northern Ireland's rich tourism offering, persuading potential visitors that there are things to do and see when they come here. The museum charts Northern Ireland's vibrant history of innovating in the fields of science, technology and industry and is a fascinating place to explore.

"It is encouraging to see more local tourism businesses adopt the 'We're Good to Go' industry standard as a tool to aid recovery and rebuild our local economy. The charter mark is a visible reassurance for customers that businesses are adhering to government and public health guidance.

"I would encourage everyone enjoying a staycation to explore Northern Ireland, including this excellent new addition to the tourism offering here."

DUP Welcomes Ghurka's Decision To End Hunger Strike

The DUP have welcomed the news that a group of Ghurka veterans have agreed to end their hunger strike.

A group of 13 Ghurka veterans have been staging a hunger strike outside Downing Street to protest pension disparity with other British Army veterans.

The group ended their protest after the UK government agreed to further talks.

Welcoming the news, East Belfast DUP MLA Robin Newton said: "The matter of equal pensions for these brave Gurkha veterans for service to the Crown before 1997 is one of fairness and equality. That Gurkha veterans, who have given faithful service to the nation, are being treated differently from soldiers from other regiments is nothing short of disgraceful.

"The decision to enter talks with the Nepalese Embassy and the Ministry of Defence is a step in the right direction. However, it shouldn't have needed the veterans to camp out and refuse food for this to happen. One 60-year-old Gurkha, refusing food for 13 days, required hospital treatment.

"I'm certain the public fully support these brave, hard, and loyal soldiers in their campaign; public sympathy is with them as they seek pension equality. I wish them well as they seek a positive outcome to their just campaign."

Murphy Visits Fermanagh Businesses

Finance Minister Conor Murphy visited a number of businesses in the Fermanagh area to see first-hand how they have benefitted from the financial support offered by the Department during Covid-19.

Minister Murphy started his day of engagements at Elite Electronic Systems Ltd where he toured the premises and met with staff. The company is one of many businesses in the area to benefit from more than £62 million of support through various grant schemes and the rates holiday.

Speaking afterwards, he said: "It was great to get the opportunity to meet with Managing Director Jonathan Balfour and some of his team to get a sense of the fantastic work they are doing there and how the financial assistance from the Department has helped the company over the past 18 months.

"It's such an impressive set up and reassuring to see how this local business is in a position to look towards a bright future on a global scale thanks in part to the financial support we have given them."