22/01/2025

Other News In Brief

SDLP Calls For Delivery Of Funded Childcare Strategy

The SDLP has called on the Education Minister to deliver a Childcare Strategy accompanied by an adequate and ambitious funding plan.

The party's Economy Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin was speaking after the Assembly passed a motion which was amended by the SDLP Opposition to include a specific deadline for the publication of an Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.

Foyle MLA Ms McLaughlin said: "The costs of childcare are still putting parents and providers under severe pressure across Northern Ireland. Whilst some support has been provided through the introduction of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme, we are still without a Childcare Strategy and parents are paying the price.

"Childcare is not an issue which can be dealt with through reactive policy decisions. If we are to truly get to grips with the crisis parents face, then we must see a more considered and pragmatic approach to childcare which requires long term support rather than short term interventions.

"For the first time, childcare is included as a standalone priority in the draft Programme for Government. This is a welcome signal of intent but it is now time for the Executive to replace warm words with serious action. The Executive is in a difficult financial situation, but there are steps it can take to help support the delivery of a strategy which delivers for parents, providers and registered childminders, such as the full ring fencing of Barnett consequentials.

"Today in the Assembly, the DUP tried to use the issue of childcare as an opportunity to criticise another Minister. Such a motion does nothing to make meaningful progress on an issue that is the responsibility of the whole Executive. Parents don’t want to see political point scoring, they want to see their childcare fees being lowered."

Peace Bridge In L'Derry To Undergo Essential Inspections
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The Department for Infrastructure has announced the temporary closure of the Peace Bridge in Derry from Monday, 3rd February to Friday, 7th February, between the hours of 9.30 am and 3.30 pm daily.

This closure is necessary to facilitate essential safety inspections of the bridge, which are conducted every six years for all bridges on the public road network. The inspection will involve the use of an abseiling team.

Alternative routes will be available via the Foyle Expressway, Foyle Road, Craigavon Bridge, Duke Street, Waterside Link, and vice versa. However, motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys as these alternative routes may experience increased traffic during the closure period.

The Department for Infrastructure has planned these works to minimise disruption to the public as much as possible.

Justice Minister Welcomes PSNI Recruitment Campaign

Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the new student officer recruitment campaign launched today by the PSNI.

The campaign for new student officers is part of a longer-term strategy to recover officer numbers to their former levels and provide stability for the PSNI going forward.

The Minister said: "I am pleased to support the PSNI recruitment drive which has launched today. The need to recover policing numbers is widely accepted and this new recruitment campaign will help alleviate some of the short-term pressures being felt within its ranks.

"Following October monitoring, I prioritised additional funding to where I believed it would make the most impact. £36.7m was allocated to the PSNI to fully meet the pressures identified and to sustain and stabilise policing in this financial year and I will continue to seek the best possible financial package for justice in Northern Ireland."

Commenting on the advertising campaign the Minister said: "I hope the campaign will inspire those considering a job in policing to apply for the role. Policing is a career offering opportunities for all and I encourage anyone with an interest to apply."


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Full-Time Childcare Now More Than £10,000 A Year In NI
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