Other News In Brief

'A disability cannot be a barrier to elected politics' - Alliance

We should be doing more to encourage people with disabilities to come forward and take roles in public life, Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said.

Strangford MLA Ms Armstrong aid International Day of Disabled People, which is marked on 03 December, is the perfect opportunity to highlight the need for more visibility for those with disabilities.

"As an MLA with a disability, I know only too well how difficult it can be for similar people to come forward in the first instance, and then take a role in public life," she said.

"Those who have experienced first-hand the struggles many with disabilities can go through can talk with legitimacy about what is needed to improve our society for them. Throughout the pandemic, many people with disabilities have not had access to services, and with limited respite and day centre provision, many more continue to be left behind. It is vital we have people in public life who are involved in decision-making advocating the voices of carers.

"International Day of Disabled People is designed to help break down barriers to inclusion. It is the perfect opportunity to highlight why we need to make people with disabilities more visible and we need to encourage them to step forward and play their role in public life."

DUP 'Disturbed' Over NCA Statistics On Child Abuse

DUP MLA and Policing Board representative Jonathan Buckley has said the National Crime Agency's (NCA's) assessment that between 16,000 and 23,000 individuals in Northern Ireland pose a sexual risk to children is a "disturbing" statistic and underlines the need for adequate resources to tackle rising harm in our communities.

Commenting after meeting with the NCA Director General, Graeme Biggar, during a session of the Policing Board on Thursday, Mr Buckley said: "That there may be up to 23,000 individuals deemed a sexual risk to children living in Northern Ireland is deeply disturbing. As the Chief Constable has indicated it is equivalent to the population of a large town.

"This figure reflects previous research that crime is increasingly becoming more violent and harmful, with children and other vulnerable groups increasingly the target. On average, five children in our Province are targeted by sexual offenders online every week. Sadly, children are often at higher risk when at home, on a computer or using a mobile device, than when they are on our streets.

"It is critical that the full machinery of our criminal justice system is invested in stopping abusers. The welfare of children and young people must be front and centre. The PSNI and NCA require appropriate and sustained resources in order to detect, disrupt and prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation in all forms."

People Urged To Take Advantage Of 'Big Jab' Weekend

Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Cathy Harrison has encouraged people to take advantage of the Big Jab Weekend taking place at around 50 community pharmacies on Saturday 04 and Sunday 05 December.

Speaking after getting her Covid-19 booster jab at a community pharmacy she said: "This weekend presents a fantastic opportunity to get vaccinated. For anyone not yet vaccinated, it's not too late. Community pharmacies are providing first and second doses to anyone over 18, as well as booster jabs for those who are eligible.

"This weekend will see some 50 community pharmacies across Northern Ireland ramping up their Covid-19 booster vaccination push with a series of additional clinics on Saturday and Sunday. Some pharmacies will be offering walk-in clinics, while others are taking bookings."

A list of pharmacies participating in the Big Jab Weekend is available on the Department of Health website at www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/big-jab-weekend-pharmacy-list.

Pharmacies will have their own local arrangements and opening hours in place. People should check the pharmacy’s social media channels or contact their local pharmacy for details and updates. Details may change in response to demand and local circumstances.

The programme in pharmacies will complement the ongoing booster provision by a network of Health Trust hubs, Trust walk-in clinics, pharmacies and GPs. In line with current criteria, boosters are being offered to:

• People aged 50 and over who had their second doses at least three months ago

• 40-49-year-olds who had their second doses at least six months ago. • Eligibility for 40-49-year-olds will be gradually widened in the coming weeks reducing to the recommended three month interval.

The Health Trust hubs are also offering first and second doses to the 12 and over age group. Participating community pharmacies are likewise providing first and second doses to the 18 plus age bracket.