Other News In Brief

New eTendersNI System Launches

A new, improved online tender system for public sector contracts in Northern Ireland has launched.

The new eTendersNI system will make it easier for companies to submit online tenders for government contracts.

The portal has been developed by the Department of Finance and Personnel's Central Procurement Directorate, (CPD), which carries out procurements on behalf of central government departments, agencies and arms-length bodies. CPD is one of the first procurement organisations to use the new system.

DRD To Carry Out River Inspection

The Department of Regional Development (DRD) is to carry out a routine river inspection on Craigavon Bridge and Queen's Quay.

The work, which will take place in September, includes the inspection of the underside of both structures and will take place from a boat in the River Foyle.

Craigavon Bridge will also be subject to a further inspection in October 2015. It will be closed from the lower deck of the bridge on the nights of 06 to 08 October. Both decks of the bridge will remain open to traffic during the day.

Suicide Figures A Wake Up Call – Ramsey

SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey has described the figures relating to suicide in Northern Ireland as a wake-up call. After attending a presentation by Samaritans in Stormont, Mr Ramsey said the issue required urgent action at both government and community level.

Mr Ramsey said: "The figures relating to suicide in Northern Ireland are devastating and should act as a wake-up call.

"Northern Ireland has the worst suicide rate in the UK and the statistics presented today indicate that a holistic approach is required in dealing with this very serious issue.

"With 35% of suicide victims being unemployed it shows that economic factors have a considerable effect on our mental well-being. This must be noted by everyone in government working to increase job opportunities here.

"We must recognise that for many people opportunity can be the difference between life and death. 40% of victims are also single and so it is clear that this is an issue that cannot be addressed by government alone and will require the vigilance, consideration and time of those in the local community."

(CD/JP)