Other News In Brief

Justice Minister Responds To PSNI Inspection

Justice Minister Naomi Long has responded to the findings of a recent inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) concerning the Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) effectiveness and efficiency in crime prevention.

HMICFRS, tasked with independently evaluating UK police and fire and rescue services, conducted the inspection in November 2024, focusing on crime prevention, deterrence, and the management of suspects and offenders, as commissioned under the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998.

Minister Long acknowledged the report's findings: "Whilst there are many operational challenges for the PSNI and the Northern Ireland Policing Board (NIPB) to take forward, the inspection report also underscores the impact of reduced police officer numbers on our communities. It highlights the critical need to address the decline in numbers and warns of future risks if the situation is not addressed."

She emphasised the shared priority with the Chief Constable to increase police numbers: "Increasing police numbers is a key priority that the Chief Constable and I share. The Chief Constable and I are fully committed to recovering workforce levels to 7,000 officers and 2,572 staff within the next three years."

Minister Long further highlighted the importance of public safety: "By keeping communities safe we enable them to have the confidence they need to live productively and engage fully in society. That is clearly laid out in the new programme for government, and I will continue to advocate strongly for additional resources for the PSNI to enhance public safety."

She concluded by thanking HMICFRS for their comprehensive report and acknowledging the professionalism and dedication of PSNI officers and staff, which was also noted in the HMICFRS report.

Man Charged In Connection With New IRA Criminality

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Serious Crime Branch have charged a 20-year-old man in connection with their ongoing investigation into criminality linked to the New IRA. The man was charged on Tuesday, 1st April, with possession of a Class B controlled drug, possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug, and transferring criminal property.

He is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 29th April, 2025.

As is standard procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Durkan Condemns "Manufactured Row" Over Irish Language Signage

SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has criticised what he describes as a "manufactured row" over Irish language signage at Grand Central Station, claiming it is a distraction from the Executive's failures.

His comments come after work to install the signage was paused due to potential legal action.

Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said: "This is far from the first time we have seen Executive parties use a manufactured row around identity issues to distract from their abject failure in government. These signs should have been included in the new station from the outset, not to do so was wrong and this now must be rectified. It's deeply regrettable that this has now turned into a legal quagmire."

He further asserted that the DUP's objection to the signage, and funding for Foras Na Gaeilge, is motivated by political pressure from the TUV and Jim Allister. "The DUP’s objection to this and funding for Foras Na Gaeilge has more to do with Jim Allister and the TUV breathing down their necks than any ideological views. They have once again allowed themselves to be led by extreme elements and their continued intransigence only makes the case for Irish unity on our behalf," he stated.

Mr Durkan also accused Sinn Féin and the DUP of political opportunism. "Sinn Féin and the DUP have been more than happy to let each other carve up funding in the past when it has suited them both and I share the frustration of the Irish language sector and activists who time and time again have seen the issue used as a political football," he said.

He argued that the focus should be on addressing the deterioration of public services, rather than engaging in identity politics. "At a time when our public services are lying in ruins we should not be seeing so much public attention devoted to an issue that is straightforward and easily rectified," he said.

Mr Durkan concluded by stating, "The public deserve better than the distraction and narrow identity politics being served up by the Executive parties who have utterly failed to get to grips with the challenges facing families across the North."