Other News In Brief

Executive Launches Video To Promote Ethnic Equality Monitoring

The Northern Ireland Executive has launched a video outlining its commitment to ethnic equality monitoring. The video explains that individuals may be asked about their ethnicity, including their country of birth, national identity, ethnic group, religion, and language, when accessing public services.

The data collected will be used to identify and monitor inequalities, with the goal of achieving racial equality.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill stated: "By committing to ethnic equality monitoring, the Executive aims to build a society in which racial equality and diversity is supported, understood, valued, and respected. Collecting personal ethnicity information from service users will better assist public bodies in identifying and monitoring inequalities, developing evidence-based policy and planning service delivery that meets the needs of the communities we represent."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added: "It is important that people of all ethnic backgrounds have a sense of belonging which is acknowledged and valued by everyone. The video is aimed at all service users. It is only when data is gathered from people from all ethnic backgrounds that we can get a picture of how things really are."

The Racial Equality Subgroup collaborated with The Executive Office (TEO) to create the video, which features local minority ethnic voices in the animation. The video can be viewed on the Racial Equality section of the TEO website: www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/articles/ethnic-equality-monitoring.

Irish News Retains Top Spot as UK and Ireland's Best-Selling Regional Daily

The Irish News has once again solidified its position as the UK and Ireland's best-selling regional daily newspaper, according to the latest Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) figures.

This achievement highlights the publication's continued role as a trusted source of news and a crucial platform for Northern Ireland's business community. In 2024, The Irish News sold close to seven million copies, significantly outperforming other locally produced Northern Ireland titles. During the second half of the year (July-December), the newspaper recorded an average daily circulation of 21,181, maintaining its position at the top of the UK's regional daily newspaper league table.

This period also marked the first full six months of Chris Sherrard's editorship, who succeeded Noel Doran in February 2024.

Dominic Fitzpatrick, IntoMedia Group Chief Executive Officer, commented: "These figures highlight the resilience and continued relevance of The Irish News at a time of significant challenges in the media industry. Maintaining our position as the UK and Ireland's top-selling regional daily is a testament to the trust our readers place in us and the commitment of our editorial and commercial teams. While circulation trends continue to shift, our focus remains on delivering high-quality, independent journalism that informs, engages, and supports both individuals and businesses across Northern Ireland. We will continue to evolve to meet the needs of our audience across both print and digital platforms."

Alliance Reaffirms Commitment to LGBTQIA+ Equality Amid Pride Exclusion

Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson has reiterated the Party's commitment to LGBTQIA+ equality, following Belfast Pride's decision to exclude Executive parties from this year's event.

The Upper Bann MLA stated: "Alliance is dedicated to promoting the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ people. We remain firmly committed to equality, and to ensuring that our trans community can access healthcare that is safe, effective, and evidence-led."

Tennyson emphasised Alliance's ongoing advocacy for investment and reform in gender identity services: "Alliance continues to champion investment and reform to deliver high-quality gender identity services which meet the needs of trans people, in line with clinical advice."

He concluded by expressing support for Belfast Pride and a desire for continued dialogue: "We wish Belfast Pride every success as they prepare for the 2025 festival, and look forward to engaging further with its organisers on the issues impacting our community."