Wilson Slams 'Monk' Session

Stormont Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson (pictured) has lambasted the Northern Health and Social Care Trust for what he said was "wasting resources" by holding staff sessions with a Buddhist monk. He said the sessions are to be run by the Health Improvement and Community Development Service of the Trust. "They clearly have too much time on their hands and have got their priorities wrong if they think that what is needed are sessions such as these," the DUP Executive Minister said. "Speaking to doctors and nurses in the health service, they do not want more monks, but they want more doctors and nurses to help relieve the pressure that they are under," and said that "it is not right that public sector workers should have it paid for them by the taxpayer".

Flooding Report Welcomed

There has been a welcome for the Flooding Taskforce Report by the Office of the First and the Deputy First Minister. Speaking at the Fermanagh County Show, Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh South Tyrone and Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle Gildernew said: "During last winter, many parts of Fermanagh were completely covered in the worst floods in living memory. The Flooding Taskforce was set up to investigate the factors, which contributed to the flooding and to consider how departments could assist in dealing with the aftermath. With assurances from the Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy, I am confident that this work will be completed as soon as possible and much of it before we enter the winter months, when flooding is most likely to affect Fermanagh. I am glad that Fermanagh will be better able to deal with a sustained period of heavy rainfall," she said.

'Staffie Terror' Fine

A dog owner has been fined at Belfast Magistrates Court this week after a woman feared she would be attacked by her Staffordshire bull terrier. Patricia Bell, from Antrim Close in north Belfast, was fined £150 and ordered to pay costs of £66 for allowing her dog to behave in such a manner that another woman thought she would be attacked. The incident happened on Christmas Day last year. A confinement order was also issued for the dog meaning it must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times whilst out in public.

NI Kids Hurt In Donegal Assault

Eight NI students studying at an Irish language college in County Donegal's Gaeltacht have been assaulted by a gang of up to 20 youths. The students, aged 15 to 16 and from Armagh, were returning to Colaiste Mhuire in Loughanure on Tuesday evening when they were attacked by the youths. It is understood some had their hurling sticks taken off them and these were used to beat them. They were cut and bruised, but none had to stay in hospital.

(BMcC/GK)