Other News In Brief

Sinn Féin Welcomes Sports Course Addition To Magee Campus

The announcement of a Bsc Hons Sport and Exercise Sciences course at Ulster University's Magee campus in L'Derry has been welcomed by Sinn Féin.

Pádraig Delargy, Foyle MLA for the party, stated that the news "reiterates the commitment to grow and develop the Magee campus in Derry and in the long term help us to increase the student population to the target of 10,000."

He said: "I am delighted to hear confirmation that a new BSc Hons Sport and Exercise Sciences will be facilitated at the Magee campus in Derry.

"We have many fantastic sports clubs across the city and in the north west. This announcement coupled with the proposed £9 million air dome arena sports facility for Ulster University, will make Derry an exciting and innovative place to study sports science. 

"Opportunities like these again show the significant impact Economy Minister Conor Murphy’s policies are delivering for Derry and the entire north west."

DUP Calls For Full Public Inquiry Into Cervical Screening Process

DUP has called for a public inquiry to uncover the full truth for those who were failed by the cervical screening process.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt announced a peer review of the Public Health Agency's (PHA) Quality Assurance processes for the cervical screening programme, which has been welcomed by DUP Health Spokesperson Diane Dodds, but the Upper Bann MLA believes there is still more to be done.

"The Minister's announcement that the PHA's Quality Assurance processes will be peer reviewed by NHS England is welcome, as is the detailed analysis of the findings of the Cervical Cytology Review Outcomes Report," said Dodds. "We should never forget that 17,500 women were affected by these failures, with eight of those women developing cancer and two who have sadly passed away.

"Confidence in the process has been severely undermined and there is a real need for accountability and for lessons to be learned. I would hope that the measures announced today can help bring forward lessons that must be learned.

"Whilst these steps are welcome, it is unlikely that they will uncover the full truth about what happened. A full public inquiry would not only help ensure that happened, but would also ensure that victims have the opportunity to speak, to be heard and to directly receive the answers they deserve."

Alliance Want Impartiality In Windsor Framework Review

A review of the Windsor Framework by the UK Government must meet international obligations, according to Alliance.

Following a recent Assembly's vote to continue its application, Lord Murphy was appointed to review the Framework.

Alliance Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood welcomed the appointment but stressed it was "absolutely vital this review is carried out in a completely impartial and strictly factual manner, away from political views or constitutional opinions", while insisting that the "very political and economic stability of Northern Ireland rests upon that."

Ms Eastwood said: "The Windsor Framework is an imperfect solution to a problem created by the Conservative Party and the DUP but it is the best one we have in the circumstances, mitigating some of the worst aspects of Brexit. It is related to trade and not the constitutional circumstances of Northern Ireland.

"I trust the government's review will meet the UK’s international obligations and showcase the significant opportunities dual market access can provide for everyone in Northern Ireland."