Other NI News In Brief

No Cases, But Flu Alert Continues

While there are currently no suspected cases of swine flu under investigation in Northern Ireland the Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has warned: "So far we have had no confirmed cases of swine flu, but that doesn't mean we should become complacent." Speaking in the latest daily update from the Department of Health, he said that figures show that the number of cases being investigated is zero. "The total number of negative cases tested in the Province to-date is 55," he said, noting that, last week, literature concerning the outbreak was issued to homes across Northern Ireland.

Man Shot In Legs

A man is being treated in hospital for his injuries after being shot. Police said no motive had been established for the attack, and have appealed for information after the 30-year-old victim was shot in both legs in north Belfast. Four masked men forced their way into his home at Duneden Park in the Ardoyne area at about 11pm on Monday. Two of the men fired shots at the victim. A 22-year-old woman and a three-year-old boy in the house were in the house at the time.

McLaughlin Attack Condemned

A dissident republican group has distanced itself from a petrol bomb attack on the Londonderry home of a Sinn Féin assembly member. A spokesman for the 32-County Sovereignty Movement said the attack on Mitchel McLaughlin's home was "totally wrong" and "shouldn't have happened". The petrol bombs were thrown at his home on Sunday night.

Dodds Hails 'Value For Money'

Over £250million has been made available to support front line services in recent years following 'Value for Money' gains achieved by the Stormont Government. NI Finance Minister, Nigel Dodds has welcomed the news, as he revealed that the figure related to the period 2005-2008 through savings achieved by the Centres of Procurement Expertise (CoPEs). In Northern Ireland the vast majority of procurement spend is now subject to the professional influence of CoPEs. "I am pleased to say that this channelling of public procurement spend through the CoPEs has real effect and resulted in over £250million of Value for Money gains being achieved over the period 2005-2008. This has enabled funds to be released to provide other high priority services for the citizens in Northern Ireland. This substantial figure shows the tangible benefit CoPEs have brought to public procurement," he said.

(BMcC/JM)