Other News In Brief

Alliance Welcomes Launch Of Childcare Strategy Consultation

The Alliance party has welcomed the the launch of a consultation into a draft childcare strategy for Northern Ireland.

The consultation was launched by the First and deputy First Ministers, with the aim of helping children have the best start possible in life and parents being able to return to work.

OFMdFM spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA said the consultation was an important step towards getting a working childcare strategy.

He said: "This consultation, although overdue, is a welcome move. It is important we have a strong childcare strategy as soon as possible, so we can help families and give our young people the best possible start in life.

"Childcare is an important concern in many homes across Northern Ireland and can often act as a barrier for parents returning to employment. The correct support mechanisms must be in place so no-one is left disadvantaged."

North Belfast Firm Signs Prosperity Agreement With Environment Minister

John Thompson and Sons Ltd, based in north Belfast, have signed a Prosperity Agreement with the Environment Minister, to invest £2.5 million in efficiencies which will reduce its CO2 emissions by more than 10%.

The firm will also work collaboratively with Northern Ireland Environment Agendy (NIEA) regulators on wider environmental priorities.

The agreement seeks to turn environment issues into business growth opportunities rather than being barriers to growth.

Thompsons will also accelerate their research with key partners to reduce the environmental footprint of the agri food industry, through improved animal nutrition and better production efficiencies. It will work with NIEA to develop sector wide training on management of key environmental issues.

Minister Mark H Durkan said: "This groundbreaking voluntary public private partnership will see compliance standards exceeded at lower costs. It will substantially reduce impact on our environment, provide greater transparency and access, stronger financial results for business and economic growth for Northern Ireland.

"Thompsons is an innovative and progressive company and a key environmental influencer in the Agri-Food sector and an outstanding example that 'good for the environment, good for business' can be achieved through cooperation, innovation and strong leadership."

UUP Launches Online Petition To Retain Londonderry

The Ulster Unionist Party's Foyle spokesperson, Julia Kee, has launched an online petition to retain Londonderry as the official title of Northern Ireland's second largest city.

The petition on the change.org website and has attracted over 1,700 signatures in less than 24 hours.

She said: "This latest attempt by Sinn Fein to seek to change the official name of the City of Londonderry is completely divisive and unnecessary and sends a message to the minority unionist community that they are not welcome.

"There are very real problems in our city which need to be urgently addressed but the name is not one of them. We should instead be concentrating on issues such as education, employment, housing and healthcare."

(CD)