Menu
13/10/2022
Other News In Brief
£100 Oil Payment 'Completely Inadequate' – SDLP
The £100 payment to home heating oil users has been described as "completely inadequate" and condemning families to cold homes this winter, SDLP Leader Matthew O'Toole has said.
Mr O'Toole was speaking after the UK government confirmed the £100 would be paid in the form of a credit towards electricity bills.
He said this would do little to help people purchase much needed oil and urged the government to adopt the SDLP's proposal to provide 1000 litres of free home heating oil to every qualifying household through a voucher scheme.
South Belfast MLA Matthew O'Toole said: "The derisory £100 in extra support being provided to home heating oil customers by the government will do extremely little to help people actually get oil into their tanks. Ignoring that most oil companies do not start delivering until a much larger order has been made, paying this money to people through their electricity bills will provide no help to those without disposable income because they are already struggling to pay for the bare necessities and can't afford to put any money towards buying oil in the first place.
"The SDLP has proposed a solution that will help the majority of people in Northern Ireland heat their homes this winter and prevent them from getting ill or worse. We are only party that has attempted to address this desperate situation and we need to see the SDLP's plan for 1000 litres of home heating being provided to those who need it introduced before it's too late, temperatures are already plummeting and the pressure on families is increasing every day. We have seen similar support brought forward for gas customers and I see no valid reason why the same can't be done for those who rely on oil.
"We cannot allow people to be left in the cold this winter because of a British government that cares little about an issue that mainly impacts people in the North and the DUP's insistence on pursuing identity politics while hard-working people go cold and hungry as a result of their refusal to do their jobs. This £100 'support' totally ignores the reality of the emergency facing families across the North, they need real help, and they need it now."
Appeal After Firework Fired At House In L'Derry
The PSNI in L'Derry have issued an appeal for information following an incident of criminal damage caused to the front door of a house in Stanleys Walk in the city.
Both the NIFRS and police responded to the incident, which was reported after a bang was heard at the front of the house and smoke observed coming from the front door. It's believed this was caused after a firework was placed in the letterbox. No injuries have been reported.
Inspector Fell said: "We're aware of anti-social behaviour in this area, in particular, in the last week reportedly involving young people who have been letting off fireworks, kicking doors and running off. While those involved may see this as a bit of fun, this type of anti-social and criminal behaviour is disrespectful and dangerous. Anyone involved in this type of reckless activity needs to stop and think of the consequences, not just for them, but also how it affects people living in the area. People, particularly younger people, really need to understand that fireworks are made from explosive material and, if misused, can cause serious and life changing injuries."
Inspector Fell is appealing to anyone with information about the incident in Stanleys Walk to make a report by calling tel: 101 and quoting reference number 1919 of 12/10/22.
Inspector Fell added: "In the run-up to Halloween, we will be visiting shops to ensure licences to sell fireworks are up to date and that sellers are complying with all relevant legislation.
"The law regarding fireworks is clear. It is illegal to possess, sell, handle or use fireworks if you do not have a licence, and you could be fined up to £5,000 on conviction."
If you have any concerns about this issue, call us on 101. You can also make a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or via Crimestoppers anonymously on tel: 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/.
UUP Slams 'Disgraceful' Behaviour Of Irish Women's Football Team
UUP Leader Doug Beattie has said "the Republic of Ireland Women's football team is just disgraceful" following the publication of a video showing the team singing a pro-IRA song as they celebrated qualification for the Women's World Cup.
Mr Beattie said: "For celebrations of qualifying for the Women's World Cup to turn into singing in glorification of the IRA, a terrorist group that murdered thousands of men, women and children, is just inexcusable.
"The FAI (Football Association of Ireland) needs to respond robustly to this. The apology needs to be for the actions of the women, not just the hurt caused. There needs to be evidence of reflection and education as to why this type of behaviour is so harmful and so utterly wrong."
The £100 payment to home heating oil users has been described as "completely inadequate" and condemning families to cold homes this winter, SDLP Leader Matthew O'Toole has said.
Mr O'Toole was speaking after the UK government confirmed the £100 would be paid in the form of a credit towards electricity bills.
He said this would do little to help people purchase much needed oil and urged the government to adopt the SDLP's proposal to provide 1000 litres of free home heating oil to every qualifying household through a voucher scheme.
South Belfast MLA Matthew O'Toole said: "The derisory £100 in extra support being provided to home heating oil customers by the government will do extremely little to help people actually get oil into their tanks. Ignoring that most oil companies do not start delivering until a much larger order has been made, paying this money to people through their electricity bills will provide no help to those without disposable income because they are already struggling to pay for the bare necessities and can't afford to put any money towards buying oil in the first place.
"The SDLP has proposed a solution that will help the majority of people in Northern Ireland heat their homes this winter and prevent them from getting ill or worse. We are only party that has attempted to address this desperate situation and we need to see the SDLP's plan for 1000 litres of home heating being provided to those who need it introduced before it's too late, temperatures are already plummeting and the pressure on families is increasing every day. We have seen similar support brought forward for gas customers and I see no valid reason why the same can't be done for those who rely on oil.
"We cannot allow people to be left in the cold this winter because of a British government that cares little about an issue that mainly impacts people in the North and the DUP's insistence on pursuing identity politics while hard-working people go cold and hungry as a result of their refusal to do their jobs. This £100 'support' totally ignores the reality of the emergency facing families across the North, they need real help, and they need it now."
Appeal After Firework Fired At House In L'Derry
The PSNI in L'Derry have issued an appeal for information following an incident of criminal damage caused to the front door of a house in Stanleys Walk in the city.
Both the NIFRS and police responded to the incident, which was reported after a bang was heard at the front of the house and smoke observed coming from the front door. It's believed this was caused after a firework was placed in the letterbox. No injuries have been reported.
Inspector Fell said: "We're aware of anti-social behaviour in this area, in particular, in the last week reportedly involving young people who have been letting off fireworks, kicking doors and running off. While those involved may see this as a bit of fun, this type of anti-social and criminal behaviour is disrespectful and dangerous. Anyone involved in this type of reckless activity needs to stop and think of the consequences, not just for them, but also how it affects people living in the area. People, particularly younger people, really need to understand that fireworks are made from explosive material and, if misused, can cause serious and life changing injuries."
Inspector Fell is appealing to anyone with information about the incident in Stanleys Walk to make a report by calling tel: 101 and quoting reference number 1919 of 12/10/22.
Inspector Fell added: "In the run-up to Halloween, we will be visiting shops to ensure licences to sell fireworks are up to date and that sellers are complying with all relevant legislation.
"The law regarding fireworks is clear. It is illegal to possess, sell, handle or use fireworks if you do not have a licence, and you could be fined up to £5,000 on conviction."
If you have any concerns about this issue, call us on 101. You can also make a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or via Crimestoppers anonymously on tel: 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/.
UUP Slams 'Disgraceful' Behaviour Of Irish Women's Football Team
UUP Leader Doug Beattie has said "the Republic of Ireland Women's football team is just disgraceful" following the publication of a video showing the team singing a pro-IRA song as they celebrated qualification for the Women's World Cup.
Mr Beattie said: "For celebrations of qualifying for the Women's World Cup to turn into singing in glorification of the IRA, a terrorist group that murdered thousands of men, women and children, is just inexcusable.
"The FAI (Football Association of Ireland) needs to respond robustly to this. The apology needs to be for the actions of the women, not just the hurt caused. There needs to be evidence of reflection and education as to why this type of behaviour is so harmful and so utterly wrong."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
08 March 2024
Additional £3m Announced For Supporting People Programme
An additional £3 million in funding for the Supporting People programme, which aims to the quality of life for vulnerable people through appropriate housing-related services, has been announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
Additional £3m Announced For Supporting People Programme
An additional £3 million in funding for the Supporting People programme, which aims to the quality of life for vulnerable people through appropriate housing-related services, has been announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
17 July 2008
Homeowners Warned About 'Oil Theft'
Rising fuel prices could spark off oil theft, a PSNI crime prevention officer has said. People across Northern Ireland are being warned to be on "high alert" with regards to possible oil-theft in their homes. Derek Ewing said that while the thefts are occuring "across the board" he assumes "it hits the elderly much more".
Homeowners Warned About 'Oil Theft'
Rising fuel prices could spark off oil theft, a PSNI crime prevention officer has said. People across Northern Ireland are being warned to be on "high alert" with regards to possible oil-theft in their homes. Derek Ewing said that while the thefts are occuring "across the board" he assumes "it hits the elderly much more".
24 November 2020
Home Heating Oil Users Urged To Check Tank Safety
Households using home heating oil are being urged to check that their tank is in a good state of repair before getting heating oil delivered. Highlighting the potential issues, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) said that plastic oil tanks can provide safe and sound storage for home heating oil.
Home Heating Oil Users Urged To Check Tank Safety
Households using home heating oil are being urged to check that their tank is in a good state of repair before getting heating oil delivered. Highlighting the potential issues, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) said that plastic oil tanks can provide safe and sound storage for home heating oil.
19 January 2007
More funding needed for people with mental illness
More funding is needed to provide community care for people with mental illnesses, a senior judge has today warned. The warning came after it was revealed yesterday that 17 young people had spent an additional six years at Muckamore Abbey Hospital in County Antrim because the money was not available to provide them with community care.
More funding needed for people with mental illness
More funding is needed to provide community care for people with mental illnesses, a senior judge has today warned. The warning came after it was revealed yesterday that 17 young people had spent an additional six years at Muckamore Abbey Hospital in County Antrim because the money was not available to provide them with community care.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
