Other News In Brief

SDLP Welcomes Reeves Commitment On EU Relations

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has welcomed a commitment from Chancellor Rachel Reeves to "reset relations with the EU".

The Chancellor made the comments during a speech on economic growth on Wednesday.

South Belfast and Mid Down MP Ms Hanna said: "The SDLP has been clear that the best way to address the remaining challenges of Brexit and realise the multitude of opportunities available to us is through a closer relationship between the UK and Europe. This will end the constant debate around the Windsor Framework and allow us to focus on the potential of dual market access and Northern Ireland's unique position.

"A closer relationship will not only benefit the North, but all of these islands, improving relations and stopping the economic harm caused by Brexit. Just yesterday we heard a report that continuing down the current road could make our border more pronounced, that is in nobody's interests and we will be pressing the UK Government for more details on their plans for their future relationship with the EU and engaging positively on behalf of everyone on this island.

"I also welcome the Chancellor's announcement of a review of the Green Book which should help provide the regional balance the SDLP has been campaigning for. The Executive must also ensure that any funding provided as a result of the UK Government's new growth strategy goes to addressing key pressures in areas like health, housing and childcare. Too often we see funding swallowed up by the Stormont black hole as our public services degrade further and we can't allow that to continue."

Alliance MLA Calls for More Action from Department of Education on School Bullying

Alliance Education spokesperson Michelle Guy MLA has called on the Department of Education to do more to support schools in preventing bullying and supporting those experiencing it.

Ms Guy made these comments following recent reports of a school failing to safeguard its pupils on a school trip.

"Bullying often has a devastating impact on children, young people and their families," Ms Guy said. "People should never seek to diminish these impacts or explain away bullying incidents, which can have a lasting impact on mental health and self-esteem."

While acknowledging the positive steps taken through the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act 2016, Ms Guy expressed concern that the Department of Education lacks sufficient data on the prevalence and nature of bullying incidents in schools.  "The Department of Education has little to no understanding of what is going on when it comes to bullying," she stated. "They don’t know if there are any schools that still don’t have an anti-bullying policy and they don’t know how prevalent bullying is."

Ms Guy argued that collecting anonymous data on bullying incidents would enable the Department to better understand the issue and provide more targeted support to schools.

"Surely, if the Department is to better support schools and parents, it needs to understand the levels of bullying incidents and the details of the incidents," she said. "This could all be done anonymously but would give information to enable tailored support."

Ms Guy reiterated her commitment to continuing to press the Education Minister and his Department to focus more on bullying in schools and provide the necessary support to schools, parents, and young people.

Michelle O'Neill To Address Uniting Ireland Public Conference

Sinn Féin has announced that Michelle O'Neill MLA will be the guest speaker at the Mid Ulster Uniting Ireland Public Conference organised by the party's Commission on the Future of Ireland.

The People's Assembly is the latest public event being organised by the Commission and will follow two similar events this week in New York and Washington.

The Mid Ulster event is taking place in the Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy on 26 February.

Michelle O'Neill said: "I am looking forward to participating in the Mid Ulster conference on Irish Unity.

"The Commission on the Future of Ireland was established by Sinn Féin in July 2022 to provide an opportunity for people to have their say on the future of Ireland.

"The Commission seeks to encourage grassroots consultation and provide a platform for people from all backgrounds and political persuasions to express their views on the opportunities of Irish Unity.

"The work of Sinn Féin's Commission, along with Ireland's Future, the SDLPs New Ireland Commission, the work of the all-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Good Friday Agreement and the Shared Island Initiative and others, have ensured that the conversation on constitutional change has never been greater.

"Taken together the work of all of these groups and individuals has helped foster a positive atmosphere that has encouraged the unprecedented discussion on constitutional change.

"The all-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Good Friday Agreement called last July for the Irish government to begin planning for Irish Unity. This was a very welcome and important development.

"A new all-Ireland framework of governance must be carefully planned and resourced. Those of us who want a united Ireland have to be prepared to listen to and take on board the views of everyone.

"The Mid Ulster discussion is an opportunity for people from all sections of our people to come together to discuss a new future. One that is positive, progressive, inclusive, anti-sectarian, and multicultural. I look forward to seeing you there."