Other News In Brief

Alliance Welcomes 'Intervention' of NI Autism Reviewer

Alliance Education spokesperson Michelle Guy MLA has welcomed an intervention from the Independent Autism Reviewer for Northern Ireland which called into question the priorities of the Education Minister. 

The Lagan Valley MLA spoke out following the report that nineteen children with Special Educational Needs were set to start Oakwood School in Saintfield, but the building work has not yet been completed. 

Ms Guy said: "The Independent Autism Reviewer has highlighted the stark reality that once again we have another example of young people being denied their right to an education simply because they have special educational needs.

"I will be contacting the Education Authority to establish if these children were deemed to 'have a school place' despite them having no school to attend due to ongoing construction work. If that is the case, then it calls into question how accurate the figures the Department of Education and EA are presenting and if there are other children in the same situation.

"Furthermore, I agree with the Independent Autism Reviewer that the judgement of the Education Minister is under question. In a matter of weeks, we have had the Minister engaging with an umbrella organisation for active paramilitary groups and approving £250k capital spend on 'magnetic lockable pouches' for pupils' mobile phones.

"I fully appreciate that the budget situation is incredibly difficult, but these instances highlight a pattern of poor judgement by this Minister while the priority needs to be on the young people who still don't have a school place."

Maskey Welcomes New Irish Language Support Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has welcomed the announcement of over €800,000 to support two GAA clubs on the island who operate through Irish.

Hailing the inclusion of local club Laochra Loch Lao, the West Belfast MP said: "It's fantastic news that the Irish government has committed to a significant funding pot to support GAA club's Lacohra Loch Lao and Na Gaeil Óga in their development.

"This will enable both clubs to employ a full-time development officer who will organise Irish classes, youth projects and community engagement events amongst other things.

"The revival of the Irish language is continuing at speed in all corners of our island and at every level of society.

"Today is a positive day for Gaeilgeoirs and those keen on learning our native tongue."

Police Appeal Following Collision In Dunmurry

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a collision in Dunmurry on Tuesday, 24th September.

Constable Kingsberry said: "It was reported that just before 5.20pm a black-coloured vehicle reversed at speed into a garden wall in the Mount Eagles Avenue area.

"The power of the collision completely destroyed the double brick wall and the vehicle made off from the scene."

Constable Kingsberry continued: "Children were playing in the area at the time, in close proximity to the damaged wall.

"We would ask the driver to come forward, as we are concerned that they may have suffered injury in the collision.

"We are also keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident and can provide information on the vehicle involved.

"The number to call is 101, quoting reference 1275 of 24/09/24."

You can also make a report online at psni.police.uk/report or via Crimestoppers-uk.org