Other News In Brief

No Reason Why Folic Acid Legislation Cannot Include NI - DUP

DUP Peer Lord Dodds has questioned why Northern Ireland will not move lockstep with the rest of the UK to ensure folic acid is added to non-wholemeal wheat flour.

He has called on the Government to act to help reduce the number of babies born with neural tube defects.

Lord Dodds said: "The Northern Ireland Executive in line with the rest of the UK, had agreed that folic acid should be added to non-wholemeal wheat flour. The direction of travel was set by the then Health Minister in 2021. Therefore there is no political or other reason why legislation cannot include Northern Ireland.

"It would seem incredible to people here that the U.K. Government can introduce legislation to end the lives of babies in Northern Ireland where there is no agreement to do so, but cannot introduce legislation to protect the lives of babies where there is agreement to do so!

"I have long helped campaign on this issue and we will not be letting this issue drop. The lives of so many children depend on it."

Executive Needed To Publish All-Ireland Rail Review – Boylan

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has said an Executive is needed now to publish and consider the all-Ireland rail review.

The Newry/Armagh MLA said: "An efficient, reliable and frequent rail service is key to delivering a first-class transport system and to connecting towns and cities across the island, as is the norm across Europe.

"The publication of the draft review today is a step in the right direction and highlights the need for increased investment in rail infrastructure.

"We need to develop our rail network in the north, particularly in the north-west, to unlock economic opportunities and ensure workers and families have better public transport.

"But ultimately, we need an Executive formed now to ensure this rail review is fully published and to consider its recommendations."

'Major Concerns' Raised Over Journalist's Phone Records Accessed By PSNI

Alliance North Belfast MLA Nuala McAllister has raised "major concerns" after the PSNI allegedly searched the phone records of a journalist.

An investigation is now underway by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT).

"We are aware of the issue of the accessing of phone records of a journalist, which was brought to our attention recently, which we have raised at the Policing Board," said Nuala McAllister MLA.

"As an investigation is underway we need to let it run its course but we have major concerns over this issue. We will be asking questions to PSNI leadership at the Policing Board about if or how widespread this issue was and to ensure there is extensive scrutiny of the past and current practices in relation to this matter.

"It is entirely unacceptable if the PSNI accessed these phone records without permission being granted and we await the findings of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in their investigation."