Other News In Brief

PSNI Must Have Zero Tolerance Policy On Abuse – SDLP

The PSNI must have a zero-tolerance policy for abusers within their own ranks, SDLP Policing Board member Mark H Durkan has said.

Mr Durkan was speaking after Met Police officer David Carrick admitted to numerous offences against women, with concerns being raised over a number of years.

All UK police services have been asked to review staff following the incident, with the PSNI confirming nine officers had been sacked last year for misconduct involving a 'sexual or domestic element'.

Foyle MLA Mr Durkan said: "Given the shocking revelations surrounding David Carrick and the way he was able to abuse his position and the power it gave him to target women for over two decades, it's important that the PSNI recommit itself to tackling abusers within its own ranks to send a clear message that the highest possible standards are expected of our police service to retain public confidence in them.

"Following the murder of Sarah Everard by a serving police officer, police services across this island have rightly re-evaluated their officers and standards to ensure nothing like this ever happens again. It is deeply concerning that over 30 police officers are currently suspended on suspicion of sexual misconduct with over 70 investigations ongoing and nine officers sacked in the past year. This suggests the PSNI isn't immune to the problems being experienced in other police services and they must take adequate steps to combat this issue.

"The vast majority of police officers are ordinary people doing their best to serve their community, but if we are going to make progress we have to acknowledge that some people are attracted to the role because of the power and position it brings. I welcome the PSNI's ongoing commitment to rooting out abusers and will continue to hold their leadership account and ensure that lessons are learned from recent cases involving misconduct of PSNI officers and those in other police services."

Radio Foyle Cuts 'Devastating For Local Area'

The BBC's proposed cuts to Radio Foyle would be devastating for the local area, as well as wider across Northern Ireland, Alliance MLA Eóin Tennyson has said.

Late last year, BBC Northern Ireland announced planned cuts to the breakfast news programme and news bulletins at the station. Earlier this week, the issue was raised at a debate in Westminster, which discussed the BBC's role in local radio.

Mr Tennyson said the BBC would be dismissing the local outcry over the matter if it pressed ahead with the cuts.

"These proposed cuts are unanimously opposed by people right across the North-West due to the devastating impact they would have on the local community," he said.

"As well as this week's Westminster debate, the proposals have been vociferously criticised by all local parties, including in a cross-party motion at Derry and Strabane District Council, and at public rallies, including at the Radio Foyle office themselves. Added to other opposition from churches, media, the Chamber of Commerce and trade unions, it is clear if the BBC proceeded with this approach they would be dismissive of the local outcry.

"The recent announced closure of the Newry Reporter is another indication of the pressures on local journalism. The media plays a crucial role in a healthy, functioning democracy. The BBC itself must realise the vital role it plays in providing fair, objective and impartial reporting at a local level.

"The local news and feedback Radio Foyle currently provides to listeners across the north-west would simply not be replicated by Radio Ulster or any other medium. I call on Interim BBC NI Director Adam Smyth and BBC Director General Tim Davie to review and cancel these anti-democratic proposals."

SF Call On Executive Depts To Help Groups Losing EU Funding

Executive Departments should continue to assist groups losing European Social Fund funding as a result of Brexit, Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said.

With the cliff edge of 31 March looming the party's economy spokesperson said: "European Social Fund projects have played a vital role in communities across the north, including supporting vulnerable people into work.

"I have worked with many groups and organisations delivering ESF projects and consistently raised their concerns on the loss of EU funding.

"The British government has failed to honour its commitment to replace lost EU funds in full. The Shared Prosperity Fund falls far short and organisations delivering ESF projects face a cliff-edge at the end of March.

"Sinn Féin will continue to urge the British government to fulfil its commitment on replacing lost EU funding.

"Executive departments previously provided match-funding to ESF projects from their own budgets.

"While the Executive can't be expected to replace lost ESF funds it can continue to use its match funding for ESF-type activity. This will ensure vital work supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities continues.

"In the immediate term, existing funding from departments should be extended for a year on a pro-rata basis. This period should then be used to develop a longer term scheme.

"While we will encourage permanent secretaries to take this action, ministers in an Executive could make it happen and we continue to urge all parties to get back into the Executive as soon as possible."