Other News In Brief

DoE Launches Consultation On Restrictive Practices In Educational Settings

A new consultation on the draft statutory guidance on the Reduction and Management of Restrictive Practices in Educational Settings in Northern Ireland, has been launched by the Department of Education (DoE).

Following extensive engagement with a range of key interest groups and stakeholders, the Department has developed statutory guidance which aims to provide clarity on the use of restrictive and supportive practices in educational settings, with a view to reducing and minimising the use of restrictive practices, where possible.

The draft guidance makes clear that restrictive practices should only ever be used when it is necessary and proportionate to do so, in order to keep children, young people, and others from coming to harm.

The consultation is an opportunity for interested parties to provide views on the statutory guidance. The consultation documents can be accessed here –www.education-ni.gov.uk/consultations/statutory-guidance-reduction-and-management-restrictive-practices-educational-settings-northern

An Equality Impact Assessment consultation has also been published - www.education-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/consultations/education/Annex%20D2%20-%20EQIA%20Restrictive%20Practice%20Statutory%20Guidance.pdf

The consultation period will run until Friday 3 November 2023 (inclusive) for both consultations.

Alliance 'Shocked And Saddened' In 80% Increase In Foodbank Use

Alliance have said that they are "shocked and saddened" at the news of an 80% increase in the number of people using the Trussell Trust's North Belfast Foodbank.

The North Belfast Foodbank was established ten years ago to fill the gap being created by regressive social security reforms, but demand has since increased and now considerably outweighs donations.

Castle Councillor Sam Nelson said: "When volunteers started the North Belfast Foodbank ten years ago, they never would have imagined the level of need increasing to what it is today.

"In the last twelve months alone, the North Belfast Foodbank has fed around 3,000 people, a worrying 80% increase on the previous year. The number of children relying on the foodbank has also doubled, with more families, including working families, relying on support just to get by. It's devastating.

"Demand for food and supplies now considerably outweighs donations, and the North Belfast Foodbank is in desperate need of donations to keep up with such demand. In the last 12 months alone the foodbank has had to purchase an additional 5000kg of food. If anyone is able to donate, either items or money, I would urge them to please do what they can.

"Most importantly however, we need to tackle the root causes of poverty. We need an Executive back, making decisions that protect the most disadvantaged from poverty. We need to address the failures in the social security system and start providing people with enough to prevent them falling into these kinds of dire straits. Rather than cutting support to children and young people, we need to find ways to boost it and target it appropriately.

"We live in a developed part of the world in 2023. Not a single person should be living in hunger."

SF Calls For Lough Neagh To Be Taken Into Public Ownership

Sinn Féin has raised the management of Lough Neagh with Secretary of State for NI, Chris Heaton-Harris, calling for the lough to be taken into public ownership.

Speaking from London, Mid Ulster MP Francie Molloy said: "There has long been a case for taking Lough Neagh into public ownership, but the recent blue-green algae blooms have only furthered that case.

"Local community groups and environmental experts have voiced serious concerns about the impact that the algae are having on the Lough’s local wildlife. It is devastating fishing stocks and damaging the fishing fraternity that exists on Lough Neagh.

"I have raised these concerns directly with Chris Heaton Harris and extended an invite to him to visit Lough Neagh and meet with the local partnership and cooperative.

"Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lough in Ireland, and yet no department has overall responsibility for it.

"That is an untenable situation. The Lough needs to be brought into public ownership and managed by a community partnership."