Other News In Brief

Call For Translink To Identify Cost Savings

The Alliance Party is calling on Translink to identify cost savings after the firm announced an increase in fares.

Infrastructure spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA said: "I appreciate that 1.6% is a modest average increase, with some fares unchanged, but it is important for Translink to identify where they can make cost savings to protect passengers from further increases. Passengers should also ensure they are getting best value by using Smart tickets.

"It is important that Translink can show they offer value for money as well as provide a reliable service to encourage greater use of public transport. Increasing passenger numbers can help limit future fare increases while reducing congestion."

Four NI Schools To Undergo Improvement Work

Four schools in Northern Ireland are to undergo improvement work under the School Enhancement Programme (SEP).

The work, valued at over £10million, will take place at St Malachy's College, Belfast, Our Lady's Grammar School, Newry, St Michael's College, Enniskillen and Slemish Integrated College, Ballymena.

Education Minister Peter Weir said: "This £10million investment will provide new and improved facilities and accommodation which will enhance the working and learning environment for pupils and school staff.

"Improving the schools estate is a priority for me and the School Enhancement Programme is an excellent way of delivering capital work projects which have an immediate positive impact on the schools, staff and pupils."

No Plans To Cut Funding For Youth Workers

SDLP MLA Colin McGrath has said he welcomes the confirmation from the Education Minister that there are no plans to remove the funding for Youth Worker posts.

South Down MLA and SDLP Education Committee member said: "Certain Political parties have jumped all over this story and stoked up fears amongst people about the future of funding and their jobs. This is reprehensible given that there was no attempt to secure the correct information by attending Education Question time or Education Committee to scrutinise the Minister and Department.

"I asked the Minister to confirm that the funding is not being removed, that there are no plans to do so moving forward and that the Education Authority cannot remove the funding stream in the absence of a Minister as the budget line is passed on 'earmarked'.

"The Minister confirmed all of this information. He also added that the communication from the Education Authority was 'Clumsily Written' and went into detail that it didn't need to which may have raised concerns."

(CD/MH)