SF Accuse DUP Of Jeopardising Cancer Services

Sinn Féin have accused the DUP of jeopardising a three-year budget to fund cancer services.

The party's health spokesperson, MLA Colm Gildernew, said: "Cancer charities have been very clear on the need for recurring funding to ensure that people with cancer are properly supported.

"Our health service needs a three-year Budget to fund cancer services, to tackle waiting lists, recruit more doctors and nurses and transform health.

"All of this has been jeopardised by the DUP's reckless decision to walk out of the Executive and put their selfish, electoral interests over the needs of our health service.

"Cancer patients and the health service are much more important than the electoral difficulties of the DUP.

"They should get back to work and ensure that health workers have the resources needed to tackle the huge pressures across our hospitals, emergency rooms, our GP surgeries and the entire health care system."

EA Urged To Restore Funding For Irish Language Youth Clubs

The SDLP has urged the Education Authority to reverse a funding cut to Irish language youth clubs.

The party's West Belfast representative Paul Doherty highlighted how all 24 Irish-medium youth clubs across the North will lose out on funding after the Education Authority said current funding could not be integrated into their new funding scheme.

Ahead of a meeting to discuss the issue Mr Doherty said: "The news that Glór na Móna is set to lose 98% of its funding is causing huge concern in our community. This youth club plays an important role in engaging with young people in west Belfast and they will be devastated by the loss of five staff members as a result of this cut.

"We should be investing in services like this, not making cuts. As we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic our young people will need more support than ever as things return to normal and services like this are key to helping young people navigate their way through life.

"It's stark that 160 young people will be affected by the loss of this service, with no similar Irish-medium youth services available in the area. We know how beneficial speaking multiple languages can be for people in other aspects of their life and it also helps foster the continued growth of the Irish language in our community and right across the North.

"I will be attending this public meeting to show my support for Glór na Móna and contacting the Education Authority on behalf of them and all the organisations affected by this funding cut. Youth work makes a huge contribution to our society and we cannot allow it and our young people to be negatively impacted because of these cuts."

Appeal For Information On Carrickfergus Car Fire

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information after a car was destroyed in a suspected arson attack in Co Antrim.

Police responded to reports of a car on fire at the entrance to Rosganna Drive in Eden, on the outskirts of Carrickfergus.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene and extinguished he burning car before the fire spread to surrounding properties.

Anyone with information about the incident, especially anyone who might have dash-cam, CCTV or mobile phone footage, is asked to contact police.