Other News In Brief

Communities Minister Wishes Everyone 'A Safe And Enjoyable Pride'

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has marked the start of Pride 2021 by wishing everyone "a safe and enjoyable time".

Pride events will be celebrated this year from July through to September and aim to promote inclusion and visibility for members of the LGBTQI+ community.

Minister Hargey said: "It has been a tough year for people who haven't been in a caring and supporting environment, or where they may have been disconnected from the support networks that existed pre Covid-19. I hope this improves quickly and people get to live their best lives in a society that has learned to value every person for who they are regardless of gender identity, expression or sexual orientation.

"My aim is to help build an inclusive society. I want to wish all of our LGBTQI+ family and friends an enjoyable and safe Pride and I will continue to support and protect the rights of all our LGBTQI+ communities."

Interim Vaccine Certificate System 'Currently Under Extreme Pressure'

People in need of an interim vaccine certificate are asked to be patient as the system is "currently under extreme pressure".

The Department of Health has said that they are aware that some users are experiencing difficulties and said that they are working at pace to find a resolution to these issues.

The Department said: "We are reacting to changing entry requirements being imposed by countries which may impact travellers. These changes are outside our control but we committed to finding solutions that are workable for all."

Finance Minister Visits Businesses Supported During Pandemic

Finance Minister Conor Murphy has visited local businesses in the Mid Ulster Council area to hear how they have benefitted from the financial support from his Department.

Speaking as he visited two businesses in the area, both of whom have benefitted from grant support and the rates holiday, Minister Murphy said: "Over the course of the pandemic, my Department has worked extremely hard to support as many businesses as possible and it is so encouraging to get the opportunity to visit some of them to hear directly from them how our range of grant schemes and the rates holiday have been such a lifeline.

"As I walked around the impressive 42 acre site at Macrete, Toomebridge, and listened to company director Richard Hogg talk passionately about his business, the challenges they have faced due to Covid-19 and their plans for recovery, it was reassuring to hear that our financial support has helped this local business.

"Indeed, businesses within the Mid Ulster Council have benefitted from almost £40 million of support from a range of grant schemes. In addition, the rates holiday, which was extended for a further 12 months, is providing £28.5 million of vital support to businesses in the area."

Minister Murphy also visited Kenny’s Spar, Magherafelt, to meet with owner Kenny Bradley.

He added: "It is clear speaking to Kenny that the past 18 months have been extremely difficult for local businesses and I know there are still challenges ahead but the financial assistance we have been able to offer has helped businesses like his continue to operate and will help them as they recover and grow and look towards a positive future."