Other News In Brief

NI Men Urged To Have Open Conversation About Their Health

Northern Irish men must have an open conversation about their health, Alliance chairperson Cllr Stephen Donnelly has said marking this year's Men's Health Week.

With the theme of 'Time for your MOT', Cllr Donnelly said it's important that all men take more notice of what's going on in their body and their mind.

He said: "We should not be shy about talking with medical professionals, nor seeking advice on our mental and physical health.

"Health problems don't simply go away by ignoring symptoms, nor are they found if check-ups aren't carried out.

"We need to encourage conversations about our health and ensure none of us are letting problems go unchecked.

"This Men's Health Week, I encourage all men to speak openly about their health and to go get your MOT."

Health Minister Pays Tribute To NI's Nurses

The Health Minister has paid tribute to nurse and their 'valued contribution to the health service of Northern Ireland'.

The Minister, Robin Swann, was attending the Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year 2022 Awards ceremony in the Culloden Hotel, hosted by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

He said: "It is an honour to have the opportunity to personally commend the accomplishments of our nursing workforce.

"Many times I have shared my gratitude for the contribution you have made to Northern Ireland's Health and Social Care (HSC) system, particularly over the past 2 years in which services have had to be continually adapted in response to COVID-19, and you have all made a tremendous effort to do your job in exceptional circumstances.

"And despite the unprecedented pressures that you have faced in our fight against the virus, you have overcome these challenges and delivered some truly remarkable achievements. It is for this reason that events such as tonight are so important.

"As nurses, you are in a privileged position of making a difference to individuals and families lives every minute of every day, and tonight I am privileged to hear some examples."

DUP's Carla Lockhart Calls For Cut To Fuel Duty

Carla Lockhart has called on the Government to "alleviate the extreme pressures of motorists and small business by further cutting fuel duty, green taxes and administering a UK wide cut in the rate of VAT on fuel".

Tabling a motion in Westminster, the DUPs Upper Bann MP said: "The Consumer Council Fuel Price Checker reports that the average price of diesel per litre in Northern Ireland now sits at 190.4p a litre, with the average price for a litre of petrol now 185.6p. At some forecourts, diesel has exceeded £2 per litre and it is projected to rise even further in the weeks ahead. More than 50% of cost per litre goes to the Treasury.

"This puts a huge strain on household incomes and on small business that rely on cars and vans to operate. For example, the daily commute now costs over a third more than it did before the pandemic hit, but wages are not rising anywhere close to in comparison.

"My hope is that the Chancellor will act, without delay, to reduce fuel duty, green levies and VAT on fuel. Of course, to cut VAT here would be impacted by the Protocol, and whilst there are those local parties like SF, SDLP and Alliance who would stand by the Protocol and its negative impact, we would urge the Government to act unilaterally and ensure the hard-pressed Northern Ireland motorist can benefit."