'Practical Solutions' Needed To Tackle Driver And Vehicle Test Backlog

The DUP has called on the Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon to develop "practical solutions" to tackle the driver and vehicle test backlog.

Strangford MLA Michelle McIlveen made the call in response to statistics published by the Driver and Vehicle Agency confirming the number of driving and vehicle tests conducted in October.

McIlveen, Chair of the Assembly's Infrastructure Committee, said: "The Minister has known about the crisis facing learners for many months. Despite this, the backlog of driving tests seems to be holding steady at record levels. In 2020 almost 30,000 fewer driving tests have been conducted compared to the same period last year. The equivalent figure for vehicle tests stands at over 600,000.

"This is a disturbing snapshot and shouldn't be ignored. The Department needs to urgently rethink and accelerate its strategy to stepping up testing in order to meet soaring demand for services."

Avian Influenza Confirmed In Dead Wild Swan

A wild swan found dead at Lough Beg, Co. Londonderry has tested positive for avian influenza.

Chief Veterinary Officer for NI, Dr Robert Huey said: "I can confirm that a case of avian influenza has been detected in a wild bird found at Lough Beg and that preliminary results from AFBI indicate H5N8. Further testing of the mute swan is being undertaken at AFBI and samples have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory, Weybridge for further analysis.

"This detection in Northern Ireland is not surprising as there have been two recent confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry in Great Britain. There have also been three confirmed cases of H5N8 in wild birds across England and a falcon in County Limerick has tested positive in recent days. In addition the risk of an avian influenza incursion to the UK increases over the winter months from migrating wild birds.

"The risk level in Northern Ireland to poultry is assessed as moderate with biosecurity levels on individual sites a crucial mitigation factor. Veterinary officials continue to monitor the situation across Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland and in consultation with stakeholders will determine the necessary next steps to mitigate for an avian influenza incursion in poultry here."

Paragon Health Wins Major PPE Supply Contract

Limavady firm Paragon Health have been awarded a £15 million contract to supply Type IIR face masks.

Praising the "amazing response from local companies to help supply vital PPE to Health care workers in Northern Ireland", Health Minister Robin Swann said: "As we all prepare for a critical phase in the battle against Covid-19 all parts of society have a part to play. Local industry has had the ingenuity, creativity and foresight to be part of the campaign in the fight against Covid-19 and I am delighted to make this announcement today."

Paragon Health are the first of a number of firms across Northern Ireland to have successfully completed a series of rigorous technical and suitability assessments to allow them to provide vital PPE for the health and social care sector.