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21/07/2009
Other NI News In Brief
Sextuplet Passes Away
One of Ireland's first sextuplets has died. It was revealed today that one of Nuala Conway's four girls - born along with two boys on 22 May - passed away at a local hospital. Their publicist Max Clifford (pictured) confirmed the news and said: "Our hearts go out to the mum and dad and we hope that the others are going to be fine," he said. Mrs Conway, from Co Tyrone, gave birth to Ursula, Austin, Shannon, Karla, Eoghan and Kerrie in Belfast. It was Kerrie who died.
Local Drivers 'Belt-Up'
The Northern Ireland Seat Belt Survey 2009, published last week, shows that most drivers and passengers continue to wear seatbelts. The overall observed seatbelt wearing rate has increased from 95% in 2008 to 96% in 2009. This figure for drivers represents the highest rate recorded since the current series of Northern Ireland Seat Belt Surveys began in 1994. It is estimated that about 10 lives would be saved each year and 90 serious injuries prevented if a 100% wearing rate was achieved.
Plastic Bag Use 'Binned'
Customers of leading supermarkets in Northern Ireland have successfully reduced their use of plastic carrier bags by 38%. The good news emerged last week when new figures were released by the British Retail Consortium. However, the figures also show that Northern Ireland is trailing 10% behind the UK as a whole (48%) and that a massive 12 million bags a month are still being used. Shoppers are therefore being urged to take simple steps to boost the campaign and avoid the bags ending up as landfill such as keeping a bag tucked in a jacket pocket to be always prepared or keep them in the car boot so as not to go into a shop without them.
DUP Welcome For Priest's Comments
A leading DUP politician has welcomed comments by a Catholic educationalist who criticised the ending of academic selection. In an interview with the Irish News Fr Ignatius McQuillan said that if Catholic grammar schools become comprehensives more parents will send their children to non-catholic schools - in spite of Catholic bishops being ordered to phase out selection. The DUP's Mervyn Storey said the comments showed "growing opposition" to non-selective schooling: "I have always believed that the nationalist parties, the SDLP and Sinn Féin, were out of step with a large section of the nationalist community over the issue of academic selection," he added.
Record Educational Spending
Northern Ireland's Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has announced that total spending by the Department of Education in 2008-09 hit record levels at almost £2billion. The Minister noted that an extra £115million was spent last year on education services compared to 2007-08. "I have made full use of the resources available to me by the Executive last year and can report over 99% spend on both the resource and capital budgets. This is a record level of spend for education services and has ensured the continued delivery of high quality services throughout the whole of the education sector."
(BMcC/KMcA)
One of Ireland's first sextuplets has died. It was revealed today that one of Nuala Conway's four girls - born along with two boys on 22 May - passed away at a local hospital. Their publicist Max Clifford (pictured) confirmed the news and said: "Our hearts go out to the mum and dad and we hope that the others are going to be fine," he said. Mrs Conway, from Co Tyrone, gave birth to Ursula, Austin, Shannon, Karla, Eoghan and Kerrie in Belfast. It was Kerrie who died.
Local Drivers 'Belt-Up'
The Northern Ireland Seat Belt Survey 2009, published last week, shows that most drivers and passengers continue to wear seatbelts. The overall observed seatbelt wearing rate has increased from 95% in 2008 to 96% in 2009. This figure for drivers represents the highest rate recorded since the current series of Northern Ireland Seat Belt Surveys began in 1994. It is estimated that about 10 lives would be saved each year and 90 serious injuries prevented if a 100% wearing rate was achieved.
Plastic Bag Use 'Binned'
Customers of leading supermarkets in Northern Ireland have successfully reduced their use of plastic carrier bags by 38%. The good news emerged last week when new figures were released by the British Retail Consortium. However, the figures also show that Northern Ireland is trailing 10% behind the UK as a whole (48%) and that a massive 12 million bags a month are still being used. Shoppers are therefore being urged to take simple steps to boost the campaign and avoid the bags ending up as landfill such as keeping a bag tucked in a jacket pocket to be always prepared or keep them in the car boot so as not to go into a shop without them.
DUP Welcome For Priest's Comments
A leading DUP politician has welcomed comments by a Catholic educationalist who criticised the ending of academic selection. In an interview with the Irish News Fr Ignatius McQuillan said that if Catholic grammar schools become comprehensives more parents will send their children to non-catholic schools - in spite of Catholic bishops being ordered to phase out selection. The DUP's Mervyn Storey said the comments showed "growing opposition" to non-selective schooling: "I have always believed that the nationalist parties, the SDLP and Sinn Féin, were out of step with a large section of the nationalist community over the issue of academic selection," he added.
Record Educational Spending
Northern Ireland's Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has announced that total spending by the Department of Education in 2008-09 hit record levels at almost £2billion. The Minister noted that an extra £115million was spent last year on education services compared to 2007-08. "I have made full use of the resources available to me by the Executive last year and can report over 99% spend on both the resource and capital budgets. This is a record level of spend for education services and has ensured the continued delivery of high quality services throughout the whole of the education sector."
(BMcC/KMcA)
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Other News In Brief
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Higher Education Contributes £1bn Annually
Northern Ireland's higher education institutions contribute almost £1bn annually to the economy, according to Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry.
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Northern Ireland's higher education institutions contribute almost £1bn annually to the economy, according to Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
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TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
09 December 2008
Northern Ireland Education Authority Bill Wins Support
The establishment of the Education and Skills Authority (ESA) has moved a step closer with the second stage of the Education Bill receiving Assembly support.
Northern Ireland Education Authority Bill Wins Support
The establishment of the Education and Skills Authority (ESA) has moved a step closer with the second stage of the Education Bill receiving Assembly support.
24 January 2007
Education funding boost for Northern Ireland
Government funding for integrated education in Northern Ireland is to increase by £25m over the next financial year, it has been announced by Education Minister Maria Eagle. This translates into a 6.3% increase in cash to reflect a 3.7% increase in pupils.
Education funding boost for Northern Ireland
Government funding for integrated education in Northern Ireland is to increase by £25m over the next financial year, it has been announced by Education Minister Maria Eagle. This translates into a 6.3% increase in cash to reflect a 3.7% increase in pupils.
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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.
