Other News In Brief

Health Minister Pays Tribute To Andrew Dougal OBE

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has expressed his sympathies following the death of Andrew Dougal OBE – former chair of the Public Health Agency from 2015 to 2023, having previously served as Chief Executive of NI Chest Heart and Stroke.

Minister Nesbitt said: "It is with deep sadness that I have learned of the passing of Andrew Dougal OBE. Andrew was truly dedicated to public service. Throughout his tenure as chair of the Public Health Agency he demonstrated his unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes for people in Northern Ireland and showed great leadership during the pandemic.

"Of course, many people will have known Andrew from his time at NI Chest Heart and Stroke where he was a true advocate and voice for those affected by chest, heart and stroke illnesses.

"There is no doubt he will be deeply missed, and I would like to extend my sincere condolences to his wife Fiona, son Jack, wider family and friends."

MLAs Urged To Make The Most Of NI's Dual Market Access

The Alliance Party has called on MLAs to act and "get off the starting line" to make the most of Northern Ireland's dual market access to the EU and UK markets.

Speaking during an Assembly debate, Lagan Valley MLA and Economy spokesperson David Honeyford called for the transformation of the economy to be front and centre of the Executive's priorities.

Mr Honeyford said: "We can no longer afford to view the economy as a side issue; our economy is absolutely central to creating our future. It affects job opportunities, salaries, and the amount of money each of us has in our pockets. It's our mortgage payments or the cost of our rent. It's our energy costs, the cost of fuel in our cars, and the heat in our homes.

"Our economic performance remains stubbornly behind the rest of the UK and absolutely miles behind the South.

"I have said several times that we must get moving on dual market access. We must maximise the opportunity and use it to help turn our economy around.

"We need to get off the starting line and aim for the future we want to see. There is no point in having an opportunity yet sitting back and looking at it. It's time to increase our efforts, increase our focus and strive for better.

"Alliance aspires to enhanced North/South economic co-operation, bringing shared economic opportunity across the island of Ireland, alongside continuing to support our trade with Great Britain, which remains our largest trading partner."

Senior Drs Suspend 24-Hour Strike Action

Planned strike action by medical consultants has been suspended following a new "credible" pay offer from the Department of Health, the British Medical Association (BMA) has announced.

Senior doctors in NI has been due to stage a 24 hour walk out on 26 June as part of a long-running pay dispute.

Announcing the suspension of the industrial action, Chair of the BMA Northern Ireland’s consultants' committee, Dr David Farren, said that he was "hopeful" they could reach a permanent solution soon.