Other News In Brief

UUP Calls For More Support For Households Struggling With Cost Of Living

The Ulster Unionist Party have written to the Prime Minister to call for more support for households struggling with the persistently high cost of living.

East Belfast UUP MLA and Communities spokesperson Andy Allen, said: "Over the past number of weeks, there has been a focus on whether Northern Ireland would have a devolved Government taking decisions on behalf of the people here. As is now evident, the prospect of this is remote at best, meanwhile households continue to struggle with the persistently high cost of living – particularly the high cost of energy. Daily my constituency office team and I work with many across the community in desperate need of support, which is becoming more and more limited in its availability.

"As temperatures have plummeted, households are struggling with the cost of heating their homes, which was challenging under normal circumstances. However, it is not helped by the fact energy costs remain higher that what they were a couple of years ago. This coupled with the much higher cost of food is stretching household budgets resulting in many going without or rationing their energy.

"Whilst a devolved Government would be limited in what it can bring forward, it could nonetheless provide some support, however, in the continued absence of a functioning Executive, there is even more onus on the United Kingdom Government to step forward and help. I have therefore written to the Prime Minister urging him to reintroduce the energy price guarantee, a previous measure taken by the Government to reduce energy bills, or a similar measure to support households in need."

Alliance Urge Young People To Get Involved In NI Youth Assembly

The Alliance Party has called on all young people from North Antrim and beyond to have their voices heard and actively participate in the NI Youth Assembly's latest survey, aiming to help shape their new mandate.

The NI Youth Assembly provides a platform for young people to discuss their priorities and voice concerns, and to play a pivotal role in influencing policies that directly impact their lives. They're currently seeking responses to their Big Youth Survey.

The deadline for responses is 26th January, and more information on how to respond can be found at www.niyouthassembly.org.

Alliance Young People spokesperson, and former youth worker, Sian Mulholland MLA said: "Having worked with young people throughout my career, you cannot understate the transformative power of youth engagement in political life. Engaging in the Youth Assembly’s priority setting process through this survey is an important opportunity for our young people to have their insights and experiences listened to.

"Especially for those in rural communities like ours in North Antrim, who face a unique range of challenges, your voices matter and your opinions need to be a part of the dialogue.

"Years ago, I campaigned for the formation of a Youth Assembly so I know how important this platform is. However, it's only effective if young people get involved so I would encourage all young people to actively contribute and take the few minutes needed to complete their survey.

"Now, more than ever, we need to hear from the young people in our communities. The Youth Assembly's survey is an avenue for them to express their concerns, advocate for their needs, and shape a future that reflects their aspirations, and I would encourage young people right across Northern Ireland to get involved."

Omagh Man Given 200 Hours Community Service For Illegally Possessing Veterinary Medicines

A 49-year-old Omagh man has been given 200 hours Community Service for a number of breaches of veterinary medicines legislation including the unlawful possession of prescription-only veterinary medicines.

Andrew McCutcheon of Bodoney Road, Trillick, previously pleaded guilty to six charges before the Court.

The Court had heard that on 18 June 2021 enforcement officers from the Department of Health's Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG) visited a farm at Bodoney Road, Trillick, Omagh in a joint search operation with Police and Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). During the search a quantity of veterinary medicines including antibiotics were found in unlawful possession of the defendant without necessary prescriptions and were seized.

On 10 August 2022, Mr McCutcheon was again found in unlawful possession of veterinary antibiotics without prescription during a search of his vehicle by MRG enforcement officers at Larne Port.

Follow-up MRG investigation also established that Mr McCutcheon breached veterinary medicines legislation by failing to keep statutory records pertaining to the receipt and supply of veterinary medicines. Details of over 50 veterinary prescriptions in respect of almost 500 bottles of veterinary medicines including antibiotics were not recorded in veterinary record books kept by Mr McCutcheon over a 6-year period.

Peter Moore, Senior Medicines Enforcement Officer with the Department of Health who directed the investigation said: "This conviction sends a clear message that there are significant consequences if a person attempts to by-pass the regulated system and legal controls which are in place to ensure public safety and integrity of the medicines supply chain."

Canice Ward, Head of the Department's Medicines Regulatory Group added: "The reckless use of veterinary medicines including antibiotics in this manner could have serious consequences for human and animal health, increase the risk of harmful residues in the food chain and raise the prospect of antimicrobial resistance."

"The public can have confidence that the Department's Medicines Regulatory Group and its statutory partner agencies will take decisive action to prevent and detect those engaged in unlawful use of medicines."