Other News In Brief

Man Extradited From RoI To Stand Trial In NI

A 41-year-old man has been extradited to NI from the Republic of Ireland, to stand trial for an offence of grievous bodily harm.

The man was initially arrested in the Republic of Ireland on 8th January and completed the extradition proceedings with his successful return to Northern Ireland today, Wednesday 20 March.

Sergeant Davey from the International Policing Unit said: "This demonstrates our continued and effective working with An Garda Siochana to track down wanted persons and bring offenders to justice. Our message is clear to anyone who has left Northern Ireland to avoid arrest or the consequences of their actions. We will relentlessly pursue those that are trying to delay or deny justice to victims of crime."

UUP Express 'Surprise' At Taoiseach Resignation

Ulster Unionist Party leader, Doug Beattie, has expressed his surprise at the sudden resignation of Republic of Ireland Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

Speaking following the announcement this after, Mr Beattie said: "The sudden announcement from Mr. Varadkar that he is to step down as both Taoiseach and leader of his party has come as a surprise to us all.

"On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party, I would like to wish Mr. Varadkar every success in the future.

"We look forward to working with his successor in a constructive manner fostering good relationships."

SDLP Challenges Economic Minister On Pay Disparity For Further Education Lecturers

The SDLP has said that further education lectures will be "deeply disappointed" by the Economy Minister's refusal to commit to pay parity with teachers.

The party's Economy Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin challenged the Minister on the issue during economy question time in the Assembly.

Foyle MLA Ms McLaughlin said: "Further education lecturers are absolutely livid at the current situation which sees them earning considerably less than the pay deal offered to school teachers. I have engaged with a number of lecturers on this issue and some have described earning less than the students they are teaching on higher level apprenticeship programmes, this is farcical and anyone could understand why lecturers are so annoyed.

"The Minister had the opportunity today to give a clear commitment to further education lecturers that he would establish the pay parity with school teachers that they deserve. Instead he spoke only of aspiration, something that will carry very little weight with lecturers who have been pushing for a fair pay deal for a number of years.

"I understand that every Executive department is under financial pressure but I fail to understand how the Executive can justify this pay uplift for school teachers but not for further education lecturers. Both play a hugely important role in our education system and need to feel valued for the work that they do and be able to afford a decent standard of living so that they can perform their role to the best of their ability. The SDLP Opposition will continue to fight for further education lecturers and workers in all sectors to get the fair pay and working conditions they deserve."