Other News In Brief

Foster Accused Of Creating 'Anxiety' In Farming Communities

The Finance Minister is being accused of attempting to 'muddy the waters' on the DUP's roll-over on Tory cuts to public services and welfare protections.

Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer said Arlene Foster's effort to link the payments in the public mind to the issue of welfare cuts has created "unnecessary fear and anxiety in farming and agricultural communities."

Mr McAleer welcomed the reassurance from Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill that the Single Farm payment process will go ahead as planned.

Mr McAleer said: "It was a cynical attempt by Ms Foster and her DUP colleagues to muddy the waters on her party's rollover on Tory cuts to public services in the North and on welfare protections for the most vulnerable in society."

Development Proposal For Primary School Approved

A development proposal for Loughries Primary School, Newtownards, to transform from a controlled primary school to a controlled integrated primary school from September has been approved.

Education Minister John O'Dowd said: "I am satisfied that sufficient evidence has been provided to support the transformation. This included the results of a vote where parents supported the transformation to integrated status.

"My approval of this proposal gives the school the opportunity to realise a fully integrated ethos and to attract sufficient numbers from both sides of the community."

Minister Launches Eishtec Training Academy

The Employment and Learning Minister has launched the Eishtec Training Academy.

Following the recent announcement that Eishtec UK Limited was creating 320 jobs in Northern Ireland, the three-week Training Academy is designed to give 20 applicants the skills required to compete for customer service positions within the company.

Minister Stephen Farry said: "Through the Assured Skills programme my Department will ensure that Eishtec has the necessary support for training initiatives to develop the skills required for these new customer service roles.

"The decision by Eishtec to create up to 320 new jobs in Craigavon shows the confidence the company has in the talent and skills that are available in Northern Ireland.

"This Academy is another excellent example of government intervention to enhance the skills of the unemployed. A highly skilled workforce is essential to support local business growth and expand our economy."

(CD/JP)