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20/03/2009
Abortion Liberalisation 'Not On', Says DUP
A senior DUP politician has moved swiftly to quell any prospects of more liberal abortion laws in Northern Ireland.
DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson, who is a Stormont Junior Minister, (pictured here) was commenting on news that the Department of Health has - for the first time - published guidance to health professionals in Northern Ireland on terminating pregnancy. Such guidelines have not been previously in place as abortion remains illegal in NI, except when the mother's life is at risk.
The Royal College of Midwives has said they will bring greater clarity to the legal position of staff who take part in any such terminations.
However, while the move will not change the law, and the guidelines will merely make clear what is and is not permitted, Jeffrey Donaldson has already said he and his party colleagues were unhappy with some of the guidelines.
"We had a number of concerns that we raised with the Health Minister," he said.
"Some were resolved, some remained unresolved and for that reason our ministers voted against the guidelines at the Executive.
"We will not be liberalising the law on abortion here."
Meanwhile, yesterday's news that Lisburn's maternity care has been granted a partial reprieve - with a midwife-led facility being established to handle uncomplicated births only - a funding announcement has been made.
Extra money will be made available to improve maternity services across NI, the Health Minister has announced.
It follows last week's announcement that the birth rate in NI was at the highest it has been in 17 years.
On Wednesday, the minister said only low-risk maternity services would stay at Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn.
Michael McGimpsey said extra funding would now be found to ensure other hospitals could cope with the increase in the number of babies being born.
This will particularly apply to Belfast's Royal Hospital, where extra beds will be established to handle increasing numbers of births coming from the Lisburn area.
See: Lisburn Maternity Care 'Reprieved'
(BMcC/JM)
DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson, who is a Stormont Junior Minister, (pictured here) was commenting on news that the Department of Health has - for the first time - published guidance to health professionals in Northern Ireland on terminating pregnancy. Such guidelines have not been previously in place as abortion remains illegal in NI, except when the mother's life is at risk.
The Royal College of Midwives has said they will bring greater clarity to the legal position of staff who take part in any such terminations.
However, while the move will not change the law, and the guidelines will merely make clear what is and is not permitted, Jeffrey Donaldson has already said he and his party colleagues were unhappy with some of the guidelines.
"We had a number of concerns that we raised with the Health Minister," he said.
"Some were resolved, some remained unresolved and for that reason our ministers voted against the guidelines at the Executive.
"We will not be liberalising the law on abortion here."
Meanwhile, yesterday's news that Lisburn's maternity care has been granted a partial reprieve - with a midwife-led facility being established to handle uncomplicated births only - a funding announcement has been made.
Extra money will be made available to improve maternity services across NI, the Health Minister has announced.
It follows last week's announcement that the birth rate in NI was at the highest it has been in 17 years.
On Wednesday, the minister said only low-risk maternity services would stay at Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn.
Michael McGimpsey said extra funding would now be found to ensure other hospitals could cope with the increase in the number of babies being born.
This will particularly apply to Belfast's Royal Hospital, where extra beds will be established to handle increasing numbers of births coming from the Lisburn area.
See: Lisburn Maternity Care 'Reprieved'
(BMcC/JM)
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27 February 2013
Bomb Alert Was Hoax Says PSNI
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A bomb alert in Newtownabbey has been declared a hoax. PSNI have described the security alert as an "elaborate hoax". The M5, was closed in both directions from Hazelbank to Doagh Road, on Tuesday night. All roads have re-opened.
13 June 2019
Appeal Issued For Missing Lisburn Man Thomas McKeown
The PSNI in Lisburn have issued an appeal for help in tracing the whereabouts of Thomas McKeown. The 52-year-old was last seen at around 11.12am in the centre of Lisburn on Tuesday 11 June. Police said that Thomas is a "vulnerable adult" and they are keen to trace his current whereabouts.
Appeal Issued For Missing Lisburn Man Thomas McKeown
The PSNI in Lisburn have issued an appeal for help in tracing the whereabouts of Thomas McKeown. The 52-year-old was last seen at around 11.12am in the centre of Lisburn on Tuesday 11 June. Police said that Thomas is a "vulnerable adult" and they are keen to trace his current whereabouts.
05 June 2019
Arrest Over Hijacking & Common Assault
Police investigating a series of incidents in County Antrim and Down on Saturday 01 June have arrested a 31-year-old man. It follows a number of disturbances in the Newcastle, Lisburn, Carryduff and west Belfast areas. The man was detained on suspicion of hijacking and common assault. He remains in police custody this morning, Wednesday 05 June.
Arrest Over Hijacking & Common Assault
Police investigating a series of incidents in County Antrim and Down on Saturday 01 June have arrested a 31-year-old man. It follows a number of disturbances in the Newcastle, Lisburn, Carryduff and west Belfast areas. The man was detained on suspicion of hijacking and common assault. He remains in police custody this morning, Wednesday 05 June.
08 December 2015
Family Of Missing Lisburn Man Concerned For His Welfare
The family of a missing Lisburn man are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare. Mr John Nesbitt, 29, was last seen in the Flush Park area on Thursday 19 November 2015. He is described as being 5ft 10inches tall, of slim build, with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing dark trousers, a dark jacket and grey shoes.
Family Of Missing Lisburn Man Concerned For His Welfare
The family of a missing Lisburn man are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare. Mr John Nesbitt, 29, was last seen in the Flush Park area on Thursday 19 November 2015. He is described as being 5ft 10inches tall, of slim build, with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing dark trousers, a dark jacket and grey shoes.
30 August 2013
New Building Projects For Lisburn City
Lisburn City Council has said restorative work on the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum has started. Site works within the city centre for the Council's Public Realm Scheme is also underway.
New Building Projects For Lisburn City
Lisburn City Council has said restorative work on the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum has started. Site works within the city centre for the Council's Public Realm Scheme is also underway.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
