Other News In Brief

Health Committee To Write To PSNI Over Neurology Scandal

The continuing lack of transparency in the investigation of the neurology scandal is adding to the stress and anguish being felt by the families and patients affected, Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ni Chuilín has said.

And she said that Stormont's health committee has agreed to write to the PSNI to see have they any criminal investigations into the neurology scandal.

The North Belfast MLA said: "It became clear in the hearing that the Medical Practitioner Tribunal Service (MPTS) decision to grant voluntary erasure to the doctor at the heart of the investigation, Dr Watt, has caused concern for everyone. This includes the GMC, particularly as two previous requests were denied.

"It is not clear what circumstances, if any, changed, which allowed the voluntary erasure of Dr Watt and this decision has caused added anxiety to the families and patients involved.

"The more we hear about this scandal the more murky the whole process appears to get - and for families seeking transparency and clarity this is very frustrating.

"The health committee today agreed to my request to write to the PSNI to see have they any criminal investigations into the neurology scandal.

"We all have a responsibility to these families to help them find the truth about what happened to them and their loved ones."

Two Boys Arrested In Connection With Lanark Way Disorder

Police have arrested two boy, aged 12 and 15, on suspicion of riotous behaviour, following public disorder at Lanark Way connected to a protest against the Northern Ireland Protocol.

It is understood that up to 100 people from both sides of the interface attacked police. The incident occurred at about 17:00 on Wednesday 03 November.

According to reports, it took police a number of hours to restore order in the area.

The two boys have been released on bail as police "continue to gather evidence".

New Digital Trail Launched At City Hall To Mark NI Centenary

A new digital trail to mark Northern Ireland's centenary year has been launched at Belfast City Hall.

Funded by the Shared History Fund, which The National Lottery Heritage Fund is delivering on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office, the historical archive brings key historic moments to life through stories and artefacts from Belfast in 1921.

Developed in partnership with the Nerve Centre, the digital archive is part of Belfast City Council's Decade of Centenaries programme which commemorates a decade of key historical moments and events between 1912 and 1922 that shaped Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast Alderman Tom Haire said: "2021 is an important year in our Decade of Centenaries Programme, as we mark those key anniversaries from one hundred years ago. While the pandemic has had an impact on how we have been able to deliver our events, this new digital archive will provide a lasting, and fascinating, glimpse into the past for years to come.

"Some of the stories may be familiar, but I hope people will find out more about this aspect of our history through the more personal stories and interesting artefacts included on the site."