Other News In Brief

Mike Nesbitt Pays Tribute To Ken Reid

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has paid tribute to Ken Reid, the veteran journalist who has passed away after a long period of ill health.

The Minister said: "I want to first and foremost express my deepest condolences to Ken’s wife Liz, his children and grandchildren and the whole family circle.

"It is hard to put into words the sadness felt today by all of us who knew Ken.

"The tributes that will pour in for him will demonstrate the great esteem in which he was held. I hope this will provide some comfort to his family.

"I met Ken just a few weeks back at a blood cancer awareness event and he was in good spirits. While he had a long struggle with poor health, his death is still a shock.

"I will remember him not just as a friend and a long-standing colleague, but as one of best journalists Northern Ireland has produced.

"Most importantly, he was a good and kind man, always supportive to fellow journalists regardless of who they worked for.

"His integrity and professionalism meant he was trusted and respected across the political spectrum. He landed countless scoops as a result. Because he was authentic, kind, curious and caring in equal measure. He was even handed and entirely trustworthy.

"He had a zest for life, for work and for sport. Most of all, he had a deep and abiding love for his family. All of us who worked with him and knew him are devastated today. The world of broadcasting and journalism is a lesser place without Big Ken. My broadcasting brother."

Minister Seeks Feedback On School Milk Subsidy Scheme

Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has urged schools and parents to take part in a new survey to assess the School Milk Subsidy Scheme. The survey aims to understand why participation in the scheme has declined and to gauge attitudes towards increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in schools. The department hopes to use the feedback to improve the scheme and promote healthier eating habits among children.

Minister Muir said: "As a keen supporter of the scheme I greatly value it's contribution to school life here and encourage parents and schools to take part in the surveys and to make sure their voice is heard."

The eight week surveys are now open until 10 January 2025 and can be found on NI Direct - Citizen Space;

• For Parents • For Schools

The responses submitted will help DAERA determine what steps if any need to be taken moving forward.

Alliance Bring New Motion On Paid Carer's Leave

The Alliance Party has tabled a motion in the Executive which aims to ensure carers are properly supported with paid carer's leave.

Economy spokesperson and South Belfast MLA, Kate Nicholl, has said we must not just recognise the rights of carers, but enhance them through the delivery of paid carer's leave.

The new motion calls for the Minister to develop an informed assessment of the benefits of the provision of paid carer's leave within his Good Jobs (Employment Rights) Bill. 

The theme of this year's Carers Rights Day (21 Nov) is 'recognising your rights' with the aim of helping carers recognise and understand their rights, and to access the support available to them.

Ms Nicholl has said: "The value of unpaid carers within our society cannot be underestimated. Each and every day, thousands of carers dedicate themselves to caring for family and friends, doing some of the most important and critically undervalued work within our economy.

"The provision of paid carer's leave and flexible working practices could be a lifeline to those who have to take time off work to care for loved ones. Also, a recent report from Carers NI clearly articulates that introducing a statutory right to paid carer's leave and flexible working could generate an additional £103-£198 million in tax receipts every year, while benefit expenditure could fall by between £40-86 million annually.

"The Minister failed to support proposals for paid carer's leave within his ‘Good Jobs' Employment Rights Bill consultation, despite the Assembly passing a motion in March 2024 that included support for the provision of paid carer's leave. That is why we have tabled a motion on the issue once again in the Assembly and will continue to lobby the Minister to bring forward these important proposals.

"While it was extremely disappointing that the Minister rolled back on his previous commitments, Alliance will continue to champion unpaid carers in Northern Ireland. I would urge the Minister to reconsider the omission of paid carer's leave from his Good Jobs Bill proposals and ensure the rights of carers are not just maintained, but enhanced through this forthcoming legislation."