Other News In Brief

'Positive Step' For Future Of Daisy Hill Hospital

The future of Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry has been boosted with a new purchase.

The Southern Trust has reached a deal with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to acquire the Monaghan Row office site.

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins welcomed the purchase as a "positive step" in securing the future of Daisy Hill.

The Newry and Armagh MLA said: "The purchase of this site could allow services such as hospital admin and the Medical Training Unit to relocate to the Monaghan row site, freeing up more clinical space.

"This space could potentially be used for new diagnostic equipment, including a fully equipped MRI/CT scanning suite following investment to upgrade the hospital's power supply.

"Sinn Féin is ready to form an Executive to work together to invest in our health service and hire more doctors and nurses to ensure hospitals like Daisy Hill continue to provide high quality care."

Centenary Stone Approved For Stormont

The Northern Ireland Centenary is to be be marked permanently in the curtilage of the Parliament Buildings by a Centenary Stone.

A Joint statement by DUP, UUP and TUV Leaders said: "It was over two years ago that the Assembly Commission refused a collective request from the leaderships of our parties to erect such a commemorative stone, causing great hurt to the unionist community.

"Earlier this month we renewed our request to the Assembly Commission. This time they have given approval, which is most welcome.

"The stone which will be in the shape of a map of Northern Ireland, mounted on a Portland stone plinth, will be sited on a raised area to the west of Parliament Buildings. The stone will be paid for by unionist MLAs and therefore will not cost the public purse.

"Our only regret is that Sinn Fein blocked the proposal when first made, but this time they were unable to do so.

"We will give details in due course of the public unveiling of the stone."

DUP Blocakade Of Executive Is Damaging Community Groups - Archibald

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said the DUP blockade of the Executive is damaging local community groups who are now facing the loss of important jobs and services as a result the British Government failure to replace lost EU funds in full.

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."