Other News In Brief

Ministers Congratulate Tyrone On All-Ireland Win

The First and Deputy First Ministers have congratulated Tyrone on winning the All-Ireland following their victory over Mayo.

First Minister Paul Givan said: "Congratulations to Tyrone on winning the All-Ireland championship for the fourth time. The passion and determination of the team on the pitch has been mirrored by their supporters right across Northern Ireland and beyond.

"Well done to the players and all those associated in their success. They deserve their celebrations this evening.

"This is a significant achievement after what has been a very difficult period for elite sports. It is great to see our local sportspeople excel, and the Tyrone team has certainly done that."

Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "Congratulations to Tyrone Seniors on winning the All-Ireland and bringing the Sam Maguire home after 13 years.

"In a time of uncertainty they gave the people of Tyrone hope, positivity and a cause for optimism.

"I am immensely proud of all the players, management and those who have played a part in this incredible result.

"This campaign has not been without its challenges but was fought with real determination, and brought the county together in support of the team.

"Commiserations to Mayo, it was the Red Hands' year and I hope the start of many more to come. Tyrone abú."

Alliance Call For 'Swift Arrangements' For One Dose Vaccine For 12+ Year Olds

The Alliance Party has called for "swift arrangements" to be made to offer one dose of the Covid vaccine to school pupils aged 12 and over.

Health spokesperson and South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw made the call after news the UK chief medical officers approved offering one dose of the vaccine to everyone in the 12-15 age group, in an attempt to reduce disruption to education.

Ms Bradshaw said: "It was predictable some weeks ago this moment would come when the advice from the chief medical officers would be to offer the vaccine to everyone aged 12 and over.

"Given the slightly lower take-up of the vaccine in Northern Ireland than in the rest of the UK, plans to offer the vaccine to everyone aged 12 and over should have been being advanced already, and I trust those wishing to take up the offer of the single dose will swiftly be able to do so.

"I hope we will see speedy publicising of the details about how this will be rolled out."

SF Slam 'Continued Failure' To Get High Street Voucher Scheme Up And Running

The DUP's Economy Minister has been criticised for his "continued failure" to get the High Street Voucher Scheme up and running.

Sinn Féin economy spokesperson and chair of the economy committee Caoimhe Archibald said: "This £100 scheme has been talked about for a year now and three consecutive DUP ministers have so far failed to get the High Street Voucher Scheme up and running.

"This scheme is about putting money into people's pockets. It's about injecting money into our hard-pressed high streets in order to support our local economy and to support local businesses to recover, protect jobs, and workers and families' livelihoods.

"The talking needs to stop and it's time for the DUP Economy Minister to act and get this scheme open to the public."