Other News In Brief

SDLP Calls For Action On Waiting Lists

Addressing long waiting lists for health treatment must be a top priority for any restored Executive and Assembly, SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has said.

Speaking after the publication of the latest waiting times by the Department of Health,

South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: "Despite small progress in some areas, the average waiting times patients in the North face for important medical treatment is shocking and a damning indictment of the failure to properly tackle the issues that exist within our health system. I know that efforts are underway to tackle these problems, but without an Executive and Assembly in place it's hard to see how we can make serious progress in the near future.

"Patients are currently waiting years for appointments and key targets to ensure people are seen in a timely manner are routinely being missed. Our health staff are doing their best in the most difficult of situations, but patients are being left languishing on waiting lists, with their conditions often getting worse in the interim, causing serious anguish for them and their families.

"We have heard much talk about restoring the Stormont institutions in recent days and the potential for further funding. Key to these plans must be properly resourcing our strategy for health service transformation and reversing the cuts imposed by the Tory's austerity budget. We need politicians to get back to work so that we can finally do what's necessary to save our health service and cut these waiting lists."

Lockhart Calls For Urgent Reform Of Barnett Formula

DUP MP Carla Lockhart has called for the urgent reform of the Barnett Formula following a meeting of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee in Westminster that highlighted evidence from health and education officials..

Speaking from London, the Upper Bann MP said: "Once again the message to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee was clear. The money is simply not there, using the current funding model through which our budget is allocated, to deliver the public services the people of Northern Ireland need and deserve.

"Today we heard from senior representatives within health and education. The picture painted was stark. Whilst some may wish to offer false hope to the public that a return of Stormont tomorrow would see an end to cuts and pay awards for workers, the evidence given on an almost weekly basis to the Committee is that the public purse is empty. The finance needed to meet current provision is not there, let alone any further spending commitments.

"We need the Government to act. For too long the Barnett formula has underfunded Northern Ireland, ignoring objective need in how it is formulated.

"The DUP is committed to ensuring the political and financial foundations are stable for a returning Executive. That is why Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is prioritising the funding issue directly with the Prime Minister in our ongoing negotiations with the Government.

"The people of Northern Ireland need effective public services, delivered efficiency. We know the challenges facing health and education, and these are symptomatic of broken services and delivery models right across our public sector. To reform we will need resources. We will continue to work to ensure the money is there to deliver better outcomes for all in Northern Ireland."

Henry Bros Give Primary School Pupils A Taste Of Working Life

Primary seven pupils from Woods Primary School have experienced working life at a job sampling and careers day hosted by leading construction company, Henry Brothers.

The pupils received an enlightening and hands-on session into the world of construction, with insights into both the industry itself and the rich history of Henry Group at the company’s headquarters in Magherafelt.

They were also given the chance to try a variety of roles, including bricklaying, plastering, tiling, and joinery.

CR Director at Henry Brothers, Ian Henry, commented: "We were thrilled to host pupils from Woods Primary School, giving them a unique opportunity to sample a career in construction through informative and interactive workshops.

"This is the first time that we have hosted this event for primary school students, giving them experience of a real-life working environment and the chance to get stuck in with various activities found on a construction sit

"At Henry Brothers, we are committed to developing the next generation of construction experts while going above and beyond to enrich the lives of young people in the community, and we hope that events such as these motivate them to pursue a career in construction.”