Irish Language Is For Everyone - Ní Chuilín

Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has issued a statement saying that the Irish Language is for everyone.

The Minister's comments come after a member of the Orange Order suggested that Protestants should not be learning the Irish language.

Minister Ní Chuilín said: "It is perhaps a sign of how inclusive the Irish Language is today that people from all communities have refuted these remarks.

"In 2014, Irish does not belong to a single person or one community, it belongs to us all. We use it every day in surnames and place names, and in the many words which have Irish roots. This continues a shared tradition which can be traced back through history.

"The Irish Language has been part of the fabric of our society for centuries. But it is lighting up the path to our shared future.

"As part of the Líofa campaign, thousands of people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are learning Irish. They do so for many reasons – for the joy of learning, as an academic exercise, to understand our history and culture or because their friends and family can speak Irish.

"I have had the pleasure of meeting many of these people; each has their own story on the journey to fluency. They, in common with learners across the globe, deserve our praise and support."

Cullyhanna Bridge Strengthening Scheme To Start

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that a £130,000 bridge strengthening scheme on Oldtown Road, Cullyhanna is to begin later this month.

The project will commence on Monday 17 February 2014 and will take place on the bridge at U5381 Oldtown Road, Cullyhanna, 180metres east of its junction with the B135 Cloghoge Road, which is also known locally as the Freeduff Road.

Work is expected to be complete by Friday 4 April 2014.

Commenting on the scheme, Minister Kennedy said: "This significant investment will strengthen the existing bridge and provide road users with an improved road surface."

A temporary road closure will be in place during the works, with an alternative route clearly signposted via B135 Cloghoge Road/Freeduff Road and C223 Sheetrim Road.

Call For Tougher Action On Legal Highs

Northern Ireland's Health Minister Edwin Poots has called for more action to be taken against the sale of 'legal highs'.

The drugs, which have been linked to a number of deaths in recent weeks, can easily be purchased online or in some shops.

Mr Poots has now written about his concerns in a letter to Home Secretary Theresa May, and has said he would like to see a ban on selling the substances. A similar ban has been introduced by the Irish Government.

Minister Poots said: "I am concerned that the availability of these substances, and particularly in head shops on our high streets, may help normalise drug misuse within our society.

"Indeed, these substances may be a gateway to the further misuse of drugs.

"I recently raised this issue with the Home Secretary, setting out my concerns about the accessibility of new psychoactive substances and seeking a more robust and consistent approach to addressing this issue across the UK."

(JP/CD)