Other News In Brief

NI Drinking Water Quality 'Remains High'

The safety and quality of drinking water in Northern Ireland remains high, according to a new report.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), which is responsible for regulating drinking water quality, has today published its Annual Report for 2020.

Northern Ireland Water Limited (NI Water) must undertake a stringent monitoring programme to verify that the tap water it supplies to consumers meets all the stringent quality standards set by the drinking water regulations. In 2020, over 91,000 tests were completed. As outlined in the DWI Report, the overall compliance for the mains water supply in 2020 was 99.94%. The results are based on samples taken from water treatment works, service reservoirs and consumers' taps.

Welcoming publication of the report, Minister for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Edwin Poots MLA, said: "The importance of safe drinking water has been highlighted particularly during the COVID-19 response and pathway to recovery. It is critical for our health, for front line services, for farming, industry and our economy. This latest report reassures consumers that the standard of our drinking water remains consistently high."

The report also highlighted a number of challenges for NI Water in its response to the pandemic, to ensure that the same stringent quality standards were met whilst protecting critical staff and infrastructure to ensure the continued supply of safe drinking water. Good operational practice and risk management is important at every stage through catchment, treatment and distribution to ensure that NI Water continues to provide safe, clean, drinking water to the consumer. NI Water worked closely with DWI to ensure that regulatory monitoring continued throughout 2020 and to maintain consumer confidence.

The Minister continued: "The Drinking Water Inspectorate's purpose is to safeguard the delivery of safe, clean drinking water for consumers, through the independent and effective regulation of drinking water quality. It provides independent assurance to consumers that NI Water continues to meet its regulatory responsibilities."

NI Water must manage risks within the water supply system and this should be supported by an appropriately funded investment programme. This is critical to ensure that overall compliance is maintained or improved and high quality drinking water is secured both now and for future generations.

A small percentage of water is also supplied from private water supplies in Northern Ireland. A number of these supplies serve public buildings, such as hospitals and health care premises, universities, and businesses such as food manufacturers, hotels and restaurants. Extensive monitoring is undertaken of registered private water supplies by local councils on behalf of DWI, with almost 15,000 tests conducted in 2020. The Report published today indicates that the overall compliance figure of 99.24% at private water supplies is slightly lower than that reported for the public water supply. The report provides a breakdown of what these supplies are used for and the issues experienced throughout 2020. It outlines the challenges faced by businesses to ensure their drinking water supply was safe prior to re-opening, as well as those who experienced increased production during the year.

Minister Poots added: "The Department will continue to work with NI Water and the owners and users of private water supplies to ensure continued improvement in drinking water quality in Northern Ireland. This will ensure, that public health remains a priority whilst supporting economic growth."

Opposition To Vaccine Certification 'Astounding And Reckless' – SDLP

A decision by the DUP and Sinn Féin to oppose changes to Covid-19 regulations to introduce vaccine certification has been described as 'astounding and reckless' by SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood.

The Foyle MP has been calling on the First Ministers to take decisive action to implement a vaccine certification programme for hospitality and entertainment venues, arguing that the primary goal must be protecting the health service from becoming overwhelmed as additional winter pressures mount.

Colum Eastwood MP said: "This is a moment for political leadership. The warnings from senior health service professionals could not be starker. Unless rates of transmission fall, we are looking at a bleak winter scenario that will push health workers beyond their limits and see some emergency services collapse. We cannot allow that to happen.

"The choice we have right now is to increase vaccinations or introduce restrictions. In a few weeks, we wont have any choice at all. This was the moment to act. The evidence from other regions that have implemented vaccine certification programmes is that it drives vaccine uptake, particularly in younger age groups. This is uncomfortable, no one wants to be in this situation but if this will save lives and protect our health service then of course we should do it and do it quickly.

"It is astounding and reckless that DUP and Sinn Féin Ministers have kicked the can down the road instead of bringing certainty and clarity. Their decision not to put vaccine certifications in regulation but instead to remove social distancing requirements and advise businesses to opt in is totally irresponsible. Not only does this offer no incentive for vaccination it puts the onus entirely on businesses themselves. This is a cop out and another failure of leadership."

Public Appointment Competition For New Commissioner for Victims and Survivors

First Minister Paul Givan and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill have launched a public appointment competition for a new Commissioner for Victims and Survivors (CVS)

First Minister Paul Givan said: "I am pleased to launch this recruitment competition for a new Commissioner to promote the interests of victims and survivors. This is a key and pivotal role in ensuring that the voices of victims and survivors are heard and that services are in place to meet their needs."

Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "It is absolutely vital that the needs and concerns of victims and survivors are met. The Commissioner will have an important role in ensuring that victims and survivors are supported. I would encourage anyone with the relevant skills and experience to apply."

As a body corporate the Commission continues in legal existence even in the absence of a Commissioner. The Chief Executive Officer of CVS has been and will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day business of the Commission until the Commissioner's post is filled.