Other News In Brief

Alliance Welcomes Appointment Of Truth Recovery Independent Panel

Alliance has welcomed the appointment of a Truth Recovery Independent Panel, who will begin work on an investigation into mother and baby homes in Northern Ireland.

The panel, co-chaired by Dr Leanne McCormick and Professor Sean O’Connell, and consisting of expert members alongside 3 victim-survivor representatives, will begin work on the integrated truth investigation, gathering evidence from victims and survivors and seeking to obtain and preserve records and archives.

This represents the first step in implementing recommendations from the Truth Recovery Design Panel, which were fully endorsed by the NI Executive in November 2021.

Spokesperson for the Executive Office Nuala McAllister said: "This is welcome progress for victims and survivors of mother and baby institutions, Magdalene Laundries, and workhouses in Northern Ireland.

"There must be an urgency in beginning the work of the integrated truth investigation, to gather information and evidence. These individuals have waited far too long for the opportunity to have their information accessed and receive redress for what they experienced in these institutions and the life-long impact of it.

"We also need to see progress on legislation for a public inquiry, with full statutory powers, and an Assembly and Executive restored to allow this legislation to be passed without further delay. Victims and survivors have waited long enough."

NI Water Named Employer Of The Year

NI Water has been named Employer of the Year at the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2023.

NI Water picked up the highly coveted award at the gala event which took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast.

NI Water was shortlisted against eight other organisations in the award category, with NI Water announced as the overall winners for providing the best working environment, culture and career opportunities for its employees.

The Belfast Telegraph Business Awards celebrate the very best of business in Northern Ireland.

Paula Graham, Head of Culture, Engagement & Learning said: "It is a tremendous achievement for NI Water to win the Employer of the Year Award. This award demonstrates NI Water's excellence in inspiring and supporting our employees, whilst delivering what matters for Northern Ireland.

"To be shortlisted in this category is a phenomenal achievement but to win is really something special. This award belongs to our outstanding team of 1400 people, who collectively deliver our essential service across Northern Ireland and make NI Water a great place to work.

"It is a testimony to NI Water's passion for its employees and shows that we are doing everything we can to ensure we are a world class employer. It is a privilege to be part of such an innovative people centric organisation."

NI Water were also highly commended in the Corporate Community Champion for outstanding contribution to the community it serves through its Cares Challenge Volunteering Program, one of the biggest employee volunteering programs in NI giving employees the opportunity to give back to their community. To date over 1,500 staff have volunteered in 100 challenges, equating to more than 10,000 hours of volunteering to help support communities across Northern Ireland.

Appeal For Information On Keady Assault

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following an assault in Keady this morning, Friday 28 April.

A report was received at approximately 11.15am stating that a man had been assaulted following an altercation in the Victoria Street area.

Officers along with colleagues from other emergency services attended and the victim was air lifted to hospital for treatment for his injuries.

The assailant, who made off from the scene in a blue Ford Galaxy was pursued by police after failing to stop. The car then collided with the police vehicle subsequently injuring two officers.

A man aged in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and failing to stop for police and dangerous driving.

He remains in police custody at this time.

Anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the attack or anyone with CCTV or footage that could assist with enquiries, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 638 of 28/04/23.