Other News In Brief

SDLP Calls For Details On Proposed Education Systems

The SDLP has called on the Education Minister, Paul Given, to detail his plans to reform the education system.

Minister Given has announced plans to make remaining in some of education or training compulsory until the age of 18 as part of his response to the Independent Review of Education.

SDLP Education Spokesperson Cara Hunter said the Minister's statement failed to address many of the issues raised in the review.

East Derry MLA Ms Hunter said: "Proposals to allow young people to remain in school or training until the age of 18 should be welcomed, but there is a need to ensure that these plans will directly benefit young people in terms of allowing them to develop the necessary skills to develop and equip them to pursue their chosen careers. There should also be greater focus on apprenticeships and further education courses and encouragement for young people to consider this route.

"Despite this there was scant mention of many of the other recommendations in the review. We have a crisis around special educational needs (SEN), including education for those aged 19+, but the Minister only offered warm words today and no concrete proposals. There was also not a single mention of integrated education, Irish medium schools or how the Minister intends to address issues around relationship and sexuality education (RSE) or spiralling childcare costs.

"There was also little in the way of plans to support children living in poverty or suffering poor mental health. We have seen holiday hunger payments and the happy healthy minds scheme axed at a time when the Irish Government is introducing free school meals for everyone. There are also huge financial pressures on schools themselves, with many operating heavily in the red.

"The Minister must come before the Education Committee and properly address our concerns. He has indicated he may not appear again until next year and that is simply not good enough given the massive pressures facing our education system."

Alliance Announce Naomi McBurney As New Cllr For Bangor West

The Alliance Party has announced Naomi McBurney as their new councillor for for Bangor West on the Ards and North Down Borough Council team.

Following a meeting of local association members, Naomi McBurney was selected to replace Christine Creighton, following her resignation, to represent Bangor West on the Ards and North Down Borough Council. Ms McBurney, a former member of the Ulster Unionist Party, is actively engaged in local politics and is passionate about delivering change. She has been a dedicated activist for the North Down community for many years and has led various campaigns on issues related to school uniforms and education.

Following Ms McBurney's selection she said: "It is an honour to be selected as the Alliance Councillor for Bangor West. Living and growing up in Bangor has made it a place very close to my heart, and I look forward to carrying on the work of Christine and representing the people in Bangor West.

"My background has given me significant insight into issues that are affecting the local community. Politics is about helping others and focusing on everyday issues and that's what I aim to do in my new position."

Ms Creighton said: "Sadly, due to family commitments, I am stepping down from my role as Alliance Councillor. It's been a privilege to serve the people of Bangor West. During my time as Councillor, I have met and engaged with many wonderful residents, volunteers and community groups and have worked hard to promote inclusive, progressive politics. I am confident that Naomi will be an excellent Councillor for Bangor West, and I look forward to supporting her in the future."

Arson Attack On Cabra Hen House

Police are investigating a deliberate fire that damaged a commercial hen house in Cabra on Saturday, 19 September.

The incident occurred around 7:40am when authorities received a report from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service about a blaze at Letalian Road. Upon arrival, officers determined that the fire had been intentionally set within the hen house, causing structural damage. Fortunately, no animals were inside the building at the time.

Detectives are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information that could assist in the investigation to come forward.

Sergeant Curran said: "We are treating this attack as arson. This is the second time the hen houses have deliberately been set alight this week. On Thursday, 17th October extensive damage was caused, and a number of animals killed, during a similar incident at some point overnight.

"Our enquiries are ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who may be able to assist with our investigation, particularly anyone with CCTV, dashcam or other relevant footage, to contact us on 101, quoting reference 378 of 19/10/24."

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/