Call For Committee To Uncover The Truth Behind The Nama Scandal - SDLP

Deputy chair of the Finance Committee Claire Hanna has said it is crucial the Committee does everything in its power to uncover the truth behind the Nama scandal.

She said: "While the committee is dealing with a number of live issues, one of the outstanding concerns is our inquiry into the sale of the Nama loan portfolio which has major public confidence ramifications. I was determined to ensure that from day one our message to the public on this matter was that they could have fullest confidence we would pursue the truth rigorously and with full transparency.

"This is a live issue and we hope that the NCA and the US regulatory authority go wherever the evidence takes them. However there are many issues within the remit of the Assembly and the Finance Committee and there are no reasons why criminal and public inquiries cannot operate in parallel.

"The committee has requested that a letter be sent to the new Finance Minister asking him to release all papers from his department in relation to the issue as it is understood that some were previously withheld."

Significant Progress Made On £15.5m School Extension

Significant progress is being made on a new £15.5 million school extension in west Belfast.

Construction work is continuing at Coláiste Feirste, situated just of the Falls Road, and the scheme will provide new improved sports facilities and enhanced teaching space.

The new Education Minister, Peter Weir, visited the school to view the progress.

Minister Weir said: "The new facilities will provide an enhanced educational environment for the pupils and the staff at the school for many years to come. In addition to the improved provision for the school, such investment also provides a boost to the local construction industry."

Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff welcomed the Minister's visit to the school.

He said: "The growth in the Irish Medium sector has been one of the great success stories in education over the last 30 years.

"The Irish language belongs to all our people and the experience of Irish medium schools has been positive for education, for culture and for whole communities."

Ford Unveils Alliance Spokespeople

Alliance Leader David Ford has unveiled his team of spokespeople to shadow the new Executive Departments.

The team are made up of the party's MLAs, with Deputy Leader Naomi Long covering Communities, Stephen Farry the Economy and Finance, Trevor Lunn Justice and Stewart Dickson the Executive Office.

New MLAs Paula Bradshaw and Kellie Armstrong will be spokespeople on Health and Infrastructure respectively, while Chris Lyttle has responsibility for Education as Deputy Chair of the Education Committee. Mr Ford will cover Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs.

(CD)