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17/01/2024
Other News In Brief
UUP Calls For More Support For Households Struggling With Cost Of Living
The Ulster Unionist Party have written to the Prime Minister to call for more support for households struggling with the persistently high cost of living.
East Belfast UUP MLA and Communities spokesperson Andy Allen, said: "Over the past number of weeks, there has been a focus on whether Northern Ireland would have a devolved Government taking decisions on behalf of the people here. As is now evident, the prospect of this is remote at best, meanwhile households continue to struggle with the persistently high cost of living – particularly the high cost of energy. Daily my constituency office team and I work with many across the community in desperate need of support, which is becoming more and more limited in its availability.
"As temperatures have plummeted, households are struggling with the cost of heating their homes, which was challenging under normal circumstances. However, it is not helped by the fact energy costs remain higher that what they were a couple of years ago. This coupled with the much higher cost of food is stretching household budgets resulting in many going without or rationing their energy.
"Whilst a devolved Government would be limited in what it can bring forward, it could nonetheless provide some support, however, in the continued absence of a functioning Executive, there is even more onus on the United Kingdom Government to step forward and help. I have therefore written to the Prime Minister urging him to reintroduce the energy price guarantee, a previous measure taken by the Government to reduce energy bills, or a similar measure to support households in need."
Alliance Urge Young People To Get Involved In NI Youth Assembly
The Alliance Party has called on all young people from North Antrim and beyond to have their voices heard and actively participate in the NI Youth Assembly's latest survey, aiming to help shape their new mandate.
The NI Youth Assembly provides a platform for young people to discuss their priorities and voice concerns, and to play a pivotal role in influencing policies that directly impact their lives. They're currently seeking responses to their Big Youth Survey.
The deadline for responses is 26th January, and more information on how to respond can be found at www.niyouthassembly.org.
Alliance Young People spokesperson, and former youth worker, Sian Mulholland MLA said: "Having worked with young people throughout my career, you cannot understate the transformative power of youth engagement in political life. Engaging in the Youth Assembly’s priority setting process through this survey is an important opportunity for our young people to have their insights and experiences listened to.
"Especially for those in rural communities like ours in North Antrim, who face a unique range of challenges, your voices matter and your opinions need to be a part of the dialogue.
"Years ago, I campaigned for the formation of a Youth Assembly so I know how important this platform is. However, it's only effective if young people get involved so I would encourage all young people to actively contribute and take the few minutes needed to complete their survey.
"Now, more than ever, we need to hear from the young people in our communities. The Youth Assembly's survey is an avenue for them to express their concerns, advocate for their needs, and shape a future that reflects their aspirations, and I would encourage young people right across Northern Ireland to get involved."
Omagh Man Given 200 Hours Community Service For Illegally Possessing Veterinary Medicines
A 49-year-old Omagh man has been given 200 hours Community Service for a number of breaches of veterinary medicines legislation including the unlawful possession of prescription-only veterinary medicines.
Andrew McCutcheon of Bodoney Road, Trillick, previously pleaded guilty to six charges before the Court.
The Court had heard that on 18 June 2021 enforcement officers from the Department of Health's Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG) visited a farm at Bodoney Road, Trillick, Omagh in a joint search operation with Police and Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). During the search a quantity of veterinary medicines including antibiotics were found in unlawful possession of the defendant without necessary prescriptions and were seized.
On 10 August 2022, Mr McCutcheon was again found in unlawful possession of veterinary antibiotics without prescription during a search of his vehicle by MRG enforcement officers at Larne Port.
Follow-up MRG investigation also established that Mr McCutcheon breached veterinary medicines legislation by failing to keep statutory records pertaining to the receipt and supply of veterinary medicines. Details of over 50 veterinary prescriptions in respect of almost 500 bottles of veterinary medicines including antibiotics were not recorded in veterinary record books kept by Mr McCutcheon over a 6-year period.
Peter Moore, Senior Medicines Enforcement Officer with the Department of Health who directed the investigation said: "This conviction sends a clear message that there are significant consequences if a person attempts to by-pass the regulated system and legal controls which are in place to ensure public safety and integrity of the medicines supply chain."
Canice Ward, Head of the Department's Medicines Regulatory Group added: "The reckless use of veterinary medicines including antibiotics in this manner could have serious consequences for human and animal health, increase the risk of harmful residues in the food chain and raise the prospect of antimicrobial resistance."
"The public can have confidence that the Department's Medicines Regulatory Group and its statutory partner agencies will take decisive action to prevent and detect those engaged in unlawful use of medicines."
The Ulster Unionist Party have written to the Prime Minister to call for more support for households struggling with the persistently high cost of living.
East Belfast UUP MLA and Communities spokesperson Andy Allen, said: "Over the past number of weeks, there has been a focus on whether Northern Ireland would have a devolved Government taking decisions on behalf of the people here. As is now evident, the prospect of this is remote at best, meanwhile households continue to struggle with the persistently high cost of living – particularly the high cost of energy. Daily my constituency office team and I work with many across the community in desperate need of support, which is becoming more and more limited in its availability.
"As temperatures have plummeted, households are struggling with the cost of heating their homes, which was challenging under normal circumstances. However, it is not helped by the fact energy costs remain higher that what they were a couple of years ago. This coupled with the much higher cost of food is stretching household budgets resulting in many going without or rationing their energy.
"Whilst a devolved Government would be limited in what it can bring forward, it could nonetheless provide some support, however, in the continued absence of a functioning Executive, there is even more onus on the United Kingdom Government to step forward and help. I have therefore written to the Prime Minister urging him to reintroduce the energy price guarantee, a previous measure taken by the Government to reduce energy bills, or a similar measure to support households in need."
Alliance Urge Young People To Get Involved In NI Youth Assembly
The Alliance Party has called on all young people from North Antrim and beyond to have their voices heard and actively participate in the NI Youth Assembly's latest survey, aiming to help shape their new mandate.
The NI Youth Assembly provides a platform for young people to discuss their priorities and voice concerns, and to play a pivotal role in influencing policies that directly impact their lives. They're currently seeking responses to their Big Youth Survey.
The deadline for responses is 26th January, and more information on how to respond can be found at www.niyouthassembly.org.
Alliance Young People spokesperson, and former youth worker, Sian Mulholland MLA said: "Having worked with young people throughout my career, you cannot understate the transformative power of youth engagement in political life. Engaging in the Youth Assembly’s priority setting process through this survey is an important opportunity for our young people to have their insights and experiences listened to.
"Especially for those in rural communities like ours in North Antrim, who face a unique range of challenges, your voices matter and your opinions need to be a part of the dialogue.
"Years ago, I campaigned for the formation of a Youth Assembly so I know how important this platform is. However, it's only effective if young people get involved so I would encourage all young people to actively contribute and take the few minutes needed to complete their survey.
"Now, more than ever, we need to hear from the young people in our communities. The Youth Assembly's survey is an avenue for them to express their concerns, advocate for their needs, and shape a future that reflects their aspirations, and I would encourage young people right across Northern Ireland to get involved."
Omagh Man Given 200 Hours Community Service For Illegally Possessing Veterinary Medicines
A 49-year-old Omagh man has been given 200 hours Community Service for a number of breaches of veterinary medicines legislation including the unlawful possession of prescription-only veterinary medicines.
Andrew McCutcheon of Bodoney Road, Trillick, previously pleaded guilty to six charges before the Court.
The Court had heard that on 18 June 2021 enforcement officers from the Department of Health's Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG) visited a farm at Bodoney Road, Trillick, Omagh in a joint search operation with Police and Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). During the search a quantity of veterinary medicines including antibiotics were found in unlawful possession of the defendant without necessary prescriptions and were seized.
On 10 August 2022, Mr McCutcheon was again found in unlawful possession of veterinary antibiotics without prescription during a search of his vehicle by MRG enforcement officers at Larne Port.
Follow-up MRG investigation also established that Mr McCutcheon breached veterinary medicines legislation by failing to keep statutory records pertaining to the receipt and supply of veterinary medicines. Details of over 50 veterinary prescriptions in respect of almost 500 bottles of veterinary medicines including antibiotics were not recorded in veterinary record books kept by Mr McCutcheon over a 6-year period.
Peter Moore, Senior Medicines Enforcement Officer with the Department of Health who directed the investigation said: "This conviction sends a clear message that there are significant consequences if a person attempts to by-pass the regulated system and legal controls which are in place to ensure public safety and integrity of the medicines supply chain."
Canice Ward, Head of the Department's Medicines Regulatory Group added: "The reckless use of veterinary medicines including antibiotics in this manner could have serious consequences for human and animal health, increase the risk of harmful residues in the food chain and raise the prospect of antimicrobial resistance."
"The public can have confidence that the Department's Medicines Regulatory Group and its statutory partner agencies will take decisive action to prevent and detect those engaged in unlawful use of medicines."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 November 2011
Dud Animal Medicines Seized In Co Antrim
Medicines Enforcement Officers have seized substantial quantities of unauthorised and illegal veterinary medicines from a residential property in Ballymena. The drugs haul, worth several thousand pounds, included veterinary antibiotics and other veterinary medicines intended for the treatment of large numbers of farm animals.
Dud Animal Medicines Seized In Co Antrim
Medicines Enforcement Officers have seized substantial quantities of unauthorised and illegal veterinary medicines from a residential property in Ballymena. The drugs haul, worth several thousand pounds, included veterinary antibiotics and other veterinary medicines intended for the treatment of large numbers of farm animals.
25 May 2005
Illegal veterinary drugs seized in Co Down
Medicines Enforcement Officers have seized a substantial amount of illegal veterinary drugs during separate raids in Co Down on Wednesday.
Illegal veterinary drugs seized in Co Down
Medicines Enforcement Officers have seized a substantial amount of illegal veterinary drugs during separate raids in Co Down on Wednesday.
10 February 2012
Brothers Fined For Importation And Supply Of Unauthorised Veterinary Medicines
Two brothers from Lurgan, County Armagh, have been convicted at Craigavon Magistrates' Court for conducting an illegal import and export veterinary medicines supply network operating in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Brothers Fined For Importation And Supply Of Unauthorised Veterinary Medicines
Two brothers from Lurgan, County Armagh, have been convicted at Craigavon Magistrates' Court for conducting an illegal import and export veterinary medicines supply network operating in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
26 April 2004
Police in counterfeit veterinary medicines search
Police have begun carrying out searches in counties Down, Tyrone and Fermanagh in an attempt to crack down on the use of illegal and counterfeit veterinary medicines.
Police in counterfeit veterinary medicines search
Police have begun carrying out searches in counties Down, Tyrone and Fermanagh in an attempt to crack down on the use of illegal and counterfeit veterinary medicines.
20 November 2024
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
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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.
