Jobless Numbers Grow

The number of people 'signing-on' in Northern Ireland has risen. During March, the number claiming jobless benefits was 55,900, a rise of 300 on the previous month and was the only region of the UK to record a rise in the number of people claiming the benefits. The number of people claiming is up 11,400 or 26% on this time last year, the highest annual rise of any UK region.

Duck Takes To Lagan

The Department for Social Development has launched Belfast's first ever 'Duck Boat' tour that will show the city's sights by land and by water. Passengers climb aboard the duck boat in the city centre and it then splash into the River Lagan and continue its journey. The tour explores notable city centre landmark sites including Botanic Gardens, Queens University, the Crown Bar, the Grand Opera House and City Hall. After viewing the Titanic shipyards, it is time for 'Splashdown', as the 30 ft Hydra Terra craft takes to the river Lagan where passengers will see Belfast from a uniquely different perspective.

Ford Backs Victim Support

Stormont Justice Minister David Ford has visited staff and volunteers of Victim Support NI and the NSPCC Young Witness Service. Funded by the Department of Justice, Victim Support NI along with the NSPCC Young Witness service provides a range of services to victims and witnesses of crime, including support to young prosecution witnesses attending court to give evidence. "I have followed the work of Victim Support since I was a member of the first committee some years ago. It is very clear to me, and in feedback from witnesses, that the work being delivered by both Victim Support and the NSPCC Young Witness Service is sensitive and responsive to the needs of victims, and I would like to pay tribute to the staff and volunteers who are providing this invaluable service," he said.

Ruane Supports GAA/IFA Sports

Soccer and Gaelic games coaches have made an invaluable contribution to the health and wellbeing of local primary schoolchildren. That was the message from NI Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, as she hailed the role played by over 60 coaches from the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and Irish Football Association (IFA) in a sports programme for local primary schools. Speaking as she visited a special event in Magherafelt to showcase the coaches' input, the Minister said: "I believe that participation in sport is an integral element of the school experience and one that delivers numerous clear benefits for children. This is why I have made available £3.7m for the primary sports programme since it began in 2007, enabling over 33,000 children from almost 600 schools across the north to get involved. Taking part has helped them not only tackle and prevent obesity, but also improved their general physical literacy and overall confidence and wellbeing," she said.

(BMcC/GK)