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25/01/2017
Other News In Brief
Call For Translink To Identify Cost Savings
The Alliance Party is calling on Translink to identify cost savings after the firm announced an increase in fares.
Infrastructure spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA said: "I appreciate that 1.6% is a modest average increase, with some fares unchanged, but it is important for Translink to identify where they can make cost savings to protect passengers from further increases. Passengers should also ensure they are getting best value by using Smart tickets.
"It is important that Translink can show they offer value for money as well as provide a reliable service to encourage greater use of public transport. Increasing passenger numbers can help limit future fare increases while reducing congestion."
Four NI Schools To Undergo Improvement Work
Four schools in Northern Ireland are to undergo improvement work under the School Enhancement Programme (SEP).
The work, valued at over £10million, will take place at St Malachy's College, Belfast, Our Lady's Grammar School, Newry, St Michael's College, Enniskillen and Slemish Integrated College, Ballymena.
Education Minister Peter Weir said: "This £10million investment will provide new and improved facilities and accommodation which will enhance the working and learning environment for pupils and school staff.
"Improving the schools estate is a priority for me and the School Enhancement Programme is an excellent way of delivering capital work projects which have an immediate positive impact on the schools, staff and pupils."
No Plans To Cut Funding For Youth Workers
SDLP MLA Colin McGrath has said he welcomes the confirmation from the Education Minister that there are no plans to remove the funding for Youth Worker posts.
South Down MLA and SDLP Education Committee member said: "Certain Political parties have jumped all over this story and stoked up fears amongst people about the future of funding and their jobs. This is reprehensible given that there was no attempt to secure the correct information by attending Education Question time or Education Committee to scrutinise the Minister and Department.
"I asked the Minister to confirm that the funding is not being removed, that there are no plans to do so moving forward and that the Education Authority cannot remove the funding stream in the absence of a Minister as the budget line is passed on 'earmarked'.
"The Minister confirmed all of this information. He also added that the communication from the Education Authority was 'Clumsily Written' and went into detail that it didn't need to which may have raised concerns."
(CD/MH)
The Alliance Party is calling on Translink to identify cost savings after the firm announced an increase in fares.
Infrastructure spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA said: "I appreciate that 1.6% is a modest average increase, with some fares unchanged, but it is important for Translink to identify where they can make cost savings to protect passengers from further increases. Passengers should also ensure they are getting best value by using Smart tickets.
"It is important that Translink can show they offer value for money as well as provide a reliable service to encourage greater use of public transport. Increasing passenger numbers can help limit future fare increases while reducing congestion."
Four NI Schools To Undergo Improvement Work
Four schools in Northern Ireland are to undergo improvement work under the School Enhancement Programme (SEP).
The work, valued at over £10million, will take place at St Malachy's College, Belfast, Our Lady's Grammar School, Newry, St Michael's College, Enniskillen and Slemish Integrated College, Ballymena.
Education Minister Peter Weir said: "This £10million investment will provide new and improved facilities and accommodation which will enhance the working and learning environment for pupils and school staff.
"Improving the schools estate is a priority for me and the School Enhancement Programme is an excellent way of delivering capital work projects which have an immediate positive impact on the schools, staff and pupils."
No Plans To Cut Funding For Youth Workers
SDLP MLA Colin McGrath has said he welcomes the confirmation from the Education Minister that there are no plans to remove the funding for Youth Worker posts.
South Down MLA and SDLP Education Committee member said: "Certain Political parties have jumped all over this story and stoked up fears amongst people about the future of funding and their jobs. This is reprehensible given that there was no attempt to secure the correct information by attending Education Question time or Education Committee to scrutinise the Minister and Department.
"I asked the Minister to confirm that the funding is not being removed, that there are no plans to do so moving forward and that the Education Authority cannot remove the funding stream in the absence of a Minister as the budget line is passed on 'earmarked'.
"The Minister confirmed all of this information. He also added that the communication from the Education Authority was 'Clumsily Written' and went into detail that it didn't need to which may have raised concerns."
(CD/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 April 2002
Catholic Bishops declare opposition to academic selection
The Stormont Education Minister Martin McGuinness has welcomed the Northern Catholic Bishops’ statement on the future process of academic selection. The Northern Bishops said in a statement on Tuesday April 16 that they wanted to “maintain and enhance quality but not promote elitism”.
Catholic Bishops declare opposition to academic selection
The Stormont Education Minister Martin McGuinness has welcomed the Northern Catholic Bishops’ statement on the future process of academic selection. The Northern Bishops said in a statement on Tuesday April 16 that they wanted to “maintain and enhance quality but not promote elitism”.
13 September 2012
Cancer-Fighting Primary School Programme Gets Education Minister's Backing
We all know that sunburn, smoking and obesity are risk factors for cancer. So now, parents will be glad to hear that a leading cancer charity has launched an education package to encourage healthy lifestyles in children as young as three and four.
Cancer-Fighting Primary School Programme Gets Education Minister's Backing
We all know that sunburn, smoking and obesity are risk factors for cancer. So now, parents will be glad to hear that a leading cancer charity has launched an education package to encourage healthy lifestyles in children as young as three and four.
05 March 2009
Education Minister Drums Up Support For Integration
With over 18,000 children and young people being educated in integrated schools across Northern Ireland already, the sector has an important role to play.
Education Minister Drums Up Support For Integration
With over 18,000 children and young people being educated in integrated schools across Northern Ireland already, the sector has an important role to play.
21 January 2013
'Too Much Spent On Small Schools' - Panel
A review into the funding of schools in Northern Ireland has found that too much is being spent on keeping smaller schools open, while disadvantaged pupils are being neglected. Education Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed the review.
'Too Much Spent On Small Schools' - Panel
A review into the funding of schools in Northern Ireland has found that too much is being spent on keeping smaller schools open, while disadvantaged pupils are being neglected. Education Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed the review.
27 September 2011
Education Minister Threatens School Closures
There's division this week over the Stormont Education Minister statement that he is determined to improve the quality of education - even if it means having to close a number of schools. On Monday, Sinn Fein's John O'Dowd ordered an immediate audit of every school, starting with post primaries.
Education Minister Threatens School Closures
There's division this week over the Stormont Education Minister statement that he is determined to improve the quality of education - even if it means having to close a number of schools. On Monday, Sinn Fein's John O'Dowd ordered an immediate audit of every school, starting with post primaries.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
