Other News In Brief

Around 300 Households In Lisburn May Face Interruptions In Their Water Supply

Up to 300 households in the Sprucefield area of Lisburn may experience interruptions in their water supply after a problem with a watermain in the area.

Northern Ireland Water (NIW) is currently carrying out emergency repair works on the watermain at the junction of the A1 and Harry's Road.

Traffic may be disrupted during the works.

NIW issued an apology for the inconvenience caused.

Call For Health Staff To Receive Recommended Pay Awards

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said health staff should receive their recommended pay awards, after it was confirmed to her the money has been earmarked to do so.

The South Belfast MLA received a letter from the Department of Health Permanent Secretary stating £26 million has been earmarked to fully implement the 2017/18 Pay Review Body recommendations for health staff, including doctors and dentists, subject to the approval of health and finance Ministers when appointed.

"I have been in regular correspondence with senior officials over the past few days and weeks making the case for a pay award for health workers which takes account of the rising cost of living," she said.

"Inevitably, officials will make the case this now requires sign-off from Ministers, and it goes without saying the DUP and Sinn Féin should be using today's good will to advance Executive formation and give public sector workers the pay rise they need and deserve, given the ongoing rise in the cost of living particularly around food and fuel."

Ombudsman Must Be Free To Report Concerns On Conduct Of RUC Or PSNI - SDLP

SDLP Legacy spokesperson Dolores Kelly MLA has said that the Police Ombudsman must be free to report on serious concerns about the conduct of the RUC or the PSNI when they arise. Mrs Kelly was speaking after a hearing into a report into Loughinisland was heard at Belfast’s High Court today.

She said: "The rigorous independence of the Police Ombudsman’s office is a key component of the new beginning to policing. His office must remain free to report on concerns about police conduct, either individually or corporately, wherever he finds it appropriate to do so following an investigation.

"This is especially true where there are allegations of collusion between police and paramilitaries.

"The tragedy of Loughinisland was that 6 innocent men were murdered and their families left without a loved one. The Police Ombudsman is entitled, and compelled, to report on the circumstances of those murders and the subsequent investigation."

(CD)