Other News In Brief

Primary School Pupils Take Part In First Ever Belfast City Science Camp

Sixteen pupils from five primary schools have taken part in the first ever Belfast City Science Camp at W5, thanks to Belfast City Council and partners.

The event also ties in with the Northern Ireland Science Festival which begins today (Thursday 16 February) until Sunday 26 January.

Specially tailored for their age group, the camp includes workshops, science shows, exhibition visits, construction challenges, coding, and animation - all linked to science, technology, engineering and maths.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Tina Black said: "It's fantastic to see these young pupils coming together from Black Mountain, St Joseph's, Currie, Victoria Park, Lead Hill and Blythefield primary schools to be inspired by science. They're learning about three themes – space, music and animation and construction through fun, interactive activities which focus on renewable energies, technology, electronics and engineering.

"Our Belfast City Science Camp is all about getting young people excited about science and encouraging them to think about STEM careers. Thanks to a programme of regional investment from sources including the Belfast Region City Deal, we're going to see many more science, technology, engineering and maths related job opportunities and increasing demand for qualified talent from employers over the next decade.

"Giving our young people opportunities and support to help them fulfil their potential is an important part of our first Community Plan – The Belfast Agenda. The government's 10X ambition is also centred on the core technologies and clusters where we can develop world-leading capabilities in the next decade – so we want to start early and inspire our young people in these areas."

For more information on Belfast City Council's programme of employability and skills support, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/employability and for more information on the Belfast Region City Deal, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfastregioncitydeal.

DUP Blockade Putting Community Jobs At Risk

The DUP blockade of the Executive is damaging local community groups who are now facing the loss of important jobs and services, Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said.

Caoimhe Archibald said: "Jobs and services from which thousands in our communities benefit could be lost because if the loss of EU funding while the DUP is blocking an Executive being formed.

"Community and voluntary workers need immediate support from local departments, including the Department for Economy. They need an Executive up and running now."

Chancellor Urged To Increase Tax-Free Childcare Allowance

DUP MLA Diane Forsythe has called on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to increase the Tax-Free Childcare allowance in his upcoming Budget statement.

The DUP's Spokesperson for Childcare said: "I have written again today, having previously written to Jeremy Hunt outlining the need for Treasury to adjust the allowance for Tax Free Childcare across the United Kingdom. This follows The Chancellor will present his Spring Budget in the House of Commons on 15th March and this presents a vital opportunity for him to take action that can benefit working families.

"Childcare costs are one of the largest monthly outgoings for many families, but particularly in Northern Ireland where the average cost of childcare is above the UK average and on a par with central London.

"Increasing the Tax-Free Childcare allowance would make a significant difference, not just to the household finances of families across the United Kingdom but will also encourage more people back into the workforce. This would be particularly beneficial in our public services such as schools and hospitals where it is simply not affordable for a parent to work.

"Treasury has previously told us that this scheme consistently underspends, therefore there is headroom for expansion."