Other News In Brief

Call for Public To Be Prepared For Cold Weather

Health Minister Michelle O'Neill urged the public to stay well by being prepared for the cold winter weather.

The Minister said: "It is important that we all stay well and safe in winter, particularly as the temperatures are set to drop this week. Cold weather can affect everyone’s health. With a little preparation and by following some simple suggestions, we can help ourselves and those around us to stay healthy, safe and well this winter.

"Those of us who are able should also take some time to check in with the vulnerable in our community. Older people and those with long term illnesses are particularly susceptible to the cold. If you have an elderly or vulnerable friend or neighbour, look out for them during the winter months to make sure they are safe, warm and well."

New £2m Development Opens In Cookstown

A new £2million development has officially opened in Cookstown, Co Tyrone.

The new Rivers Headquarters on the Loughry Campus accommodates up to 85 staff members.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: "The opening of this new £2million state of the art office provides a modern working environment for staff. The facility will also provide hot desks for other Civil Servants to use when working in this area.

"The relocation is about helping to achieve a fairer distribution of good quality public sector jobs by making sure we create employment in rural areas as this will stimulate the local economy."

Competition to Recruit New Prisoner Ombudsman For NI Launches

A competition to recruit a new Prisoner Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has launched.

The Prisoner Ombudsman is responsible for investigating complaints from prisoners, visitors to prisoners and deaths in Prison Service custody in Northern Ireland.

The current Prisoner Ombudsman Tom McGonigle will be leaving the post at the end of his term in April 2017.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Friday 27 January 2017.

(CD)