Other News In Brief

Ice Warning Issued As Overnight Temperatures To Drop To Zero

The Met Officer has issued an ice warning as temperatures are set to fall across NI over Wednesday night.

The forecaster has said that temperatures are expected to fall to zero "almost everywhere" tonight, with sub-zero temperatures predicted in some countryside areas.

The weather warning comes into force at midnight tonight and remains in place until 8am on Thursday.

Patches of ice are to be expected and people and drivers have been urged to be cautious.

Justice Minister 'Saddened And Shocked' At The Death Of Lord Brian Kerr

Justice Minister Naomi Long has expressed her sympathy to the family of Lord Brian Kerr, who has died at the age of 72.

Naomi Long said: "I was saddened and shocked to learn today of Brian's sudden death, particularly as he had only recently retired.

"As many will know, Lord Brian Kerr was a former Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland serving in that role between 2004 and 2009, when he was then appointed as the first Northern Ireland Justice to the new UK Supreme Court.

"His appointment to the Supreme Court did not however dim his interest in the Northern Ireland justice system and he would often speak at legal events, including most recently just last month.

"Both as a Supreme Court judge and as Lord Chief Justice in Northern Ireland, Brian made his mark as a distinguished lawyer. I fully recognise, as do many right across the justice system, his contribution to the administration of justice and in fulfilling his judicial oath to do right to all manner of people without fear or favour, affection or ill will.

"As well as occupying such a central role in our justice system, Lord Kerr was also of course a man with friends and family. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Gillian, his sons and the wider family circle as they come to terms with their loss."

SDLP Welcomes Additional HIA Support

Chairman of Stormont's Executive Office Committee Colin McGrath MLA has welcomed additional support for victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse.

Colin McGrath MLA said: "I welcome the additional support announced today for victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse. These people have been marginalised and ignored for far too long, so it is positive that they have been involved in the design of the support measures and will be able to benefit from a range of new initiatives.

"The horrific experiences of those who suffered abuse cannot be unwritten but what we can do is make sure that they are supported to lead fulfilling lives and address the trauma that they're living with."