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17/08/2021
Other News In Brief
Suspicious Object Declared 'Crude But Viable Device'
An investigation has been launched following a security alert in Maghera, County L'Derry.
Emergency services responded to reports of a "suspicious object" on Tirkane Road at around 04.50 am this morning.
Following an examination by Ammunition Technical Officers the object was declared a "crude but viable device".
A number of residents were evacuated from their homes during the operation but were allowed to return this morning.
The object has been removed for further forensic examination.
Anyone with information about the incident, or anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious, to contact them.
SDLP Welcomes Changes To Blood Donation Rules
Eligible gay and bisexual mean are being encouraged to consider donating blood following the introduction of rule changes in NI.
SDLP Health Spokesperson Cara Hunter made the call after a rule change came into effect on Monday permitting men who have been in a same-sex relationship with one partner for more than three months to give blood.
Previously, men who had been in a same-sex relationship had to wait for a year after their last sexual activity before donating blood
Ms Hunter said the rule change was overdue, an important step towards equality for the LGBT+ community and would also benefit the health service.
The East Derry MLA said: "It is extremely welcome that this rule change has now taken effect in the North, after being in place in other parts of the UK from June. While the move was initially delayed due to staffing and training issues I am glad these have now been resolved.
"Giving blood is hugely important – it saves lives. I would encourage everyone to consider becoming a blood donor, it is quick and easy and really can make a big difference to someone who needs it. Our health service regularly experiences shortages of blood, particularly rare blood types and there is a moral responsibility on all of us who can to donate.
"This rule change is also an important step for equality for the LGBT+ community. Anything that results in a fairer and more equal society, where everyone is treated the same is positive for us all."
DUP Call On Govt To Keep UC Uplift
The DUP has called on the UK government to maintain the £20 per week uplift in Universal Credit, citing the ongoing financial pressures facing many constituents because of the pandemic.
DUP MP for Upper Bann Carla Lockhart has written to the Chancellor expressing her support for the uplift, but the response received indicated the Government would be removing the additional payment.
Carla Lockhart said: "The stark reality is that this £20 per week uplift has been a lifeline for many families across Northern Ireland.
"Faced with the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic, the decision by the Government to increase the level of payment was welcome as many families faced a drop in household income, while bills and living costs needed met.
"However, while this move was always intended to be temporary, the impact of the pandemic remains. Indeed, it is becoming more acute with the phasing out of furlough. Furthermore, the price of food is rising, and it is widely expected that we will, like in GB, see energy price rises over the coming months. This will plunge more families into financial crisis.
"This enhanced safety net of Universal Credit simply cannot be cut faced with the current and impending pressures on household budgets.
"In my letter to the Chancellor, I made clear that my constituents in receipt of this benefit need it maintained at current levels and that the cut planned for the end of September must be shelved. Sadly, the response gives no indication that he is willing to reconsider his intention to cut the payment. This is deeply regrettable and will be a matter of great concern to local families as they plan their budgets for the months ahead.
"I will continue to make the case for the uplift to be kept, alongside MPs of like mind at Westminster and a whole range of charities who are lobbying on this matter. It is not too late for the Government to act with compassion and understanding of the pressures facing low-income households. I hope they can see fit to do the right thing."
An investigation has been launched following a security alert in Maghera, County L'Derry.
Emergency services responded to reports of a "suspicious object" on Tirkane Road at around 04.50 am this morning.
Following an examination by Ammunition Technical Officers the object was declared a "crude but viable device".
A number of residents were evacuated from their homes during the operation but were allowed to return this morning.
The object has been removed for further forensic examination.
Anyone with information about the incident, or anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious, to contact them.
SDLP Welcomes Changes To Blood Donation Rules
Eligible gay and bisexual mean are being encouraged to consider donating blood following the introduction of rule changes in NI.
SDLP Health Spokesperson Cara Hunter made the call after a rule change came into effect on Monday permitting men who have been in a same-sex relationship with one partner for more than three months to give blood.
Previously, men who had been in a same-sex relationship had to wait for a year after their last sexual activity before donating blood
Ms Hunter said the rule change was overdue, an important step towards equality for the LGBT+ community and would also benefit the health service.
The East Derry MLA said: "It is extremely welcome that this rule change has now taken effect in the North, after being in place in other parts of the UK from June. While the move was initially delayed due to staffing and training issues I am glad these have now been resolved.
"Giving blood is hugely important – it saves lives. I would encourage everyone to consider becoming a blood donor, it is quick and easy and really can make a big difference to someone who needs it. Our health service regularly experiences shortages of blood, particularly rare blood types and there is a moral responsibility on all of us who can to donate.
"This rule change is also an important step for equality for the LGBT+ community. Anything that results in a fairer and more equal society, where everyone is treated the same is positive for us all."
DUP Call On Govt To Keep UC Uplift
The DUP has called on the UK government to maintain the £20 per week uplift in Universal Credit, citing the ongoing financial pressures facing many constituents because of the pandemic.
DUP MP for Upper Bann Carla Lockhart has written to the Chancellor expressing her support for the uplift, but the response received indicated the Government would be removing the additional payment.
Carla Lockhart said: "The stark reality is that this £20 per week uplift has been a lifeline for many families across Northern Ireland.
"Faced with the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic, the decision by the Government to increase the level of payment was welcome as many families faced a drop in household income, while bills and living costs needed met.
"However, while this move was always intended to be temporary, the impact of the pandemic remains. Indeed, it is becoming more acute with the phasing out of furlough. Furthermore, the price of food is rising, and it is widely expected that we will, like in GB, see energy price rises over the coming months. This will plunge more families into financial crisis.
"This enhanced safety net of Universal Credit simply cannot be cut faced with the current and impending pressures on household budgets.
"In my letter to the Chancellor, I made clear that my constituents in receipt of this benefit need it maintained at current levels and that the cut planned for the end of September must be shelved. Sadly, the response gives no indication that he is willing to reconsider his intention to cut the payment. This is deeply regrettable and will be a matter of great concern to local families as they plan their budgets for the months ahead.
"I will continue to make the case for the uplift to be kept, alongside MPs of like mind at Westminster and a whole range of charities who are lobbying on this matter. It is not too late for the Government to act with compassion and understanding of the pressures facing low-income households. I hope they can see fit to do the right thing."
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SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
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SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
14 June 2022
Call For Blood Donations Following Decline In Donors
Health Minister Robin Swann has urged people to come forward for blood donations, backing a call from the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service. The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service's (NIBTS) appeal coincides with World Blood Donor Day and follows a decline in the number of new people giving blood.
Call For Blood Donations Following Decline In Donors
Health Minister Robin Swann has urged people to come forward for blood donations, backing a call from the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service. The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service's (NIBTS) appeal coincides with World Blood Donor Day and follows a decline in the number of new people giving blood.
21 May 2024
Swann To 'Carefully Consider' New Infected Blood Inquiry Report
Health Minister Robin Swann has committed to "careful consideration" of the newly published final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry. The Inquiry was established by the UK government to examine the circumstances in which people treated by the national health service were given contaminated blood.
Swann To 'Carefully Consider' New Infected Blood Inquiry Report
Health Minister Robin Swann has committed to "careful consideration" of the newly published final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry. The Inquiry was established by the UK government to examine the circumstances in which people treated by the national health service were given contaminated blood.
28 November 2002
Patients warned after blood donor's CJD diagnosis
There are concerns that a small number of haemophiliacs in Northern Ireland and Scotland may have received blood products from a donor who later was diagnosed with variant Creutzfeld-Jacob disease (vCJD). Health agencies in Scotland have written to patients warning them that they may have been given treatments derived from the donor's blood.
Patients warned after blood donor's CJD diagnosis
There are concerns that a small number of haemophiliacs in Northern Ireland and Scotland may have received blood products from a donor who later was diagnosed with variant Creutzfeld-Jacob disease (vCJD). Health agencies in Scotland have written to patients warning them that they may have been given treatments derived from the donor's blood.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
