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04/04/2023
Other News In Brief
Alliance Raise Concerns Over 'Cost Of Division' In Education System
The Alliance Party has expressed its concern over the "social and economic costs of division within the education system", following the publication of a new report examining 'The Cost of Division in Northern Ireland'.
The Ulster University report estimates that the economic cost of division and duplication within education is costing Northern Ireland £226 million each year, or over £600,000 every day. The report also outlines that the social costs of this division, whilst difficult to quantify, may be an even more important question.
Alliance Education spokesperson Connie Egan MLA said: "As this report highlights, division within education is coming at an unacceptably high social and economic cost.
"In economic terms, it is damming that vital programmes including Healthy Happy Minds and the School Holiday Food Grant Scheme have been cut in recent weeks by the Department of Education whilst division costs Northern Ireland £226 million each year. At a time when there is so much pressure on public finances, the economic costs of division simply cannot be tolerated any longer.
"The social costs of educating our children separately are also stark. Alliance has always championed integrated education and in the last Assembly mandate, worked hard to introduce the Integrated Education Act. The demand for integrated education far outstrips the current provision and must be increased moving forward.
"To help build a united community, children should be taught together in a single, integrated education system that delivers equality of opportunity, so that every child can develop their unique ability, personality and potential.
"The time for transformation of our education system is long overdue and we need to see the restoration of an Assembly and a functioning Executive to tackle the challenge head on."
'Huge Economic Opportunities Must Be Seized' – SF
The huge opportunities available to the north must be seized and said people and businesses have 'had enough' and need the Executive formed now, Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy has said.
Responding to comments by the chair of CBI, the party's economy spokesperson said: "We are in a time of huge opportunity for our local businesses to use the economic advantage available to create good jobs, grow our businesses and strengthen our economy.
"The deal between the EU and British government has unlocked unique and unparalleled access to both the EU and British markets – the envy of economies all over the world.
"We need political stability and the Executive formed now to seize those opportunities.
"The eyes of the world will be on us next week as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and the visit of the US President Joe Biden. It cannot be wasted.
"It would be unforgivable if these opportunities are squandered by the DUP's boycott of the Executive and their refusal to work with the rest of us to create jobs and strengthen our economy.
"People and businesses have had enough of delay and uncertainty. Our people can't wait. Our businesses can't wait and, critically, international investors will not wait. We need an Executive now."
Appeal Following Attempted Burglary In Hillsborough
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following the report of an attempted burglary in the Ashvale Drive area of Hillsborough.
Police received a report at approximately 3.45pm on Saturday, 1st April of two men acting suspiciously at a house in the area.
On the arrival of officers, the men had left the area in a maroon-coloured Toyota Avensis.
It is believed that the men made off towards the South of Ireland. One of the suspects is described as approximately 6ft with short ginger hair and was wearing a hoody, trainers, gloves and a snood around his neck.
The second man is slightly smaller with dark hair, slim build, and was wearing a dark-coloured hoody. Both men are believed to be aged in their mid to late 20s.
An investigation is underway and the PSNI are working alongside An Garda Síochána.
Police are keen to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have captured CCTV or dash-cam footage in the area around the time of the attempted burglary to get in touch with police on 101, quoting reference number 1198 of 01/04/23.
You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/.
The Alliance Party has expressed its concern over the "social and economic costs of division within the education system", following the publication of a new report examining 'The Cost of Division in Northern Ireland'.
The Ulster University report estimates that the economic cost of division and duplication within education is costing Northern Ireland £226 million each year, or over £600,000 every day. The report also outlines that the social costs of this division, whilst difficult to quantify, may be an even more important question.
Alliance Education spokesperson Connie Egan MLA said: "As this report highlights, division within education is coming at an unacceptably high social and economic cost.
"In economic terms, it is damming that vital programmes including Healthy Happy Minds and the School Holiday Food Grant Scheme have been cut in recent weeks by the Department of Education whilst division costs Northern Ireland £226 million each year. At a time when there is so much pressure on public finances, the economic costs of division simply cannot be tolerated any longer.
"The social costs of educating our children separately are also stark. Alliance has always championed integrated education and in the last Assembly mandate, worked hard to introduce the Integrated Education Act. The demand for integrated education far outstrips the current provision and must be increased moving forward.
"To help build a united community, children should be taught together in a single, integrated education system that delivers equality of opportunity, so that every child can develop their unique ability, personality and potential.
"The time for transformation of our education system is long overdue and we need to see the restoration of an Assembly and a functioning Executive to tackle the challenge head on."
'Huge Economic Opportunities Must Be Seized' – SF
The huge opportunities available to the north must be seized and said people and businesses have 'had enough' and need the Executive formed now, Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy has said.
Responding to comments by the chair of CBI, the party's economy spokesperson said: "We are in a time of huge opportunity for our local businesses to use the economic advantage available to create good jobs, grow our businesses and strengthen our economy.
"The deal between the EU and British government has unlocked unique and unparalleled access to both the EU and British markets – the envy of economies all over the world.
"We need political stability and the Executive formed now to seize those opportunities.
"The eyes of the world will be on us next week as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and the visit of the US President Joe Biden. It cannot be wasted.
"It would be unforgivable if these opportunities are squandered by the DUP's boycott of the Executive and their refusal to work with the rest of us to create jobs and strengthen our economy.
"People and businesses have had enough of delay and uncertainty. Our people can't wait. Our businesses can't wait and, critically, international investors will not wait. We need an Executive now."
Appeal Following Attempted Burglary In Hillsborough
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following the report of an attempted burglary in the Ashvale Drive area of Hillsborough.
Police received a report at approximately 3.45pm on Saturday, 1st April of two men acting suspiciously at a house in the area.
On the arrival of officers, the men had left the area in a maroon-coloured Toyota Avensis.
It is believed that the men made off towards the South of Ireland. One of the suspects is described as approximately 6ft with short ginger hair and was wearing a hoody, trainers, gloves and a snood around his neck.
The second man is slightly smaller with dark hair, slim build, and was wearing a dark-coloured hoody. Both men are believed to be aged in their mid to late 20s.
An investigation is underway and the PSNI are working alongside An Garda Síochána.
Police are keen to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have captured CCTV or dash-cam footage in the area around the time of the attempted burglary to get in touch with police on 101, quoting reference number 1198 of 01/04/23.
You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/.
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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.
