Woman Arrested In L'Derry In PCTF Operation

A 27-year-old woman has been arrested in L'Derry as part of a proactive police investigation by the Paramilitary Crime Task Taskforce (PCTF) and PSNI's Organised Crime Branch.

The woman was arrested on suspicion of Being Concerned in the Supply of a Class B controlled drug, and she remains in custody at this time.

PCTF Detective Inspector Phelan said a search of an address in the city was also conducted, during which a number of electronic devices were seized, which will be examined further in due course.

Detective Inspector Phelan said today's operation is part on an ongoing investigation into criminality linked to the North West Irish National Liberation Army (INLA), and added: "We will continue in our work to disrupt those involved in criminal activities, and reduce the harm they cause in our communities and we urge anyone with information which could assist us to call us on 101."

A report can also be submitted online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/.

Dept Of Education Called To Explain Cut To Sports Funding

The UUP has called on the Department of Education to meet with the Irish Football Association and Ulster GAA, to explain the decision to cut funding for the primary schools' Sports Programme.

Making the call, MLA Mike Nesbitt, who chairs Stormont's All Party Group on Sport, said: "The decision flies in the face of several pieces of evidence. Firstly, there is the commitment in the last (draft) Programme for Government that 'Our children and young people have the best start in life'. Then, there is the legal, or statutory, requirement for schools to offer younger children physical education. Thirdly, the decision flies in the face of the growing trend of obesity among young people.

"I understand very well that the Department of Education is facing unprecedented budgetary pressures. But this decision needs to be explained and I understand the sports bodies have made repeated requests for a meeting without success. It seems perverse that officials appear unwilling to take time to engage with the IFA and Ulster GAA to talk them through the decision-making process."

Continued Absense Of Minister Could Endanger Progress On Environmental Issues – Alliance

The continued absence of Ministers and the Assembly could endanger progress on environmental issues, Alliance Agriculture and Environment spokesperson John Blair, has said.

Speaking after a meeting with the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) yesterday (Monday 12 June), Mr Blair, welcomed the Office's commitment to holding government agencies and other public bodies to account.

The South Antrim MLA said: "With the growing urgent demands we're now facing in terms of, for example, fulfilling Climate Act obligations and restoring our natural environment, effective scrutiny of those responsible for overseeing this is more important than ever.

"Whilst it's welcome that the OEP can scrutinise environmental improvement plans and environmental law, as well as advise and enforce, it also serves as a stark reminder of the ‘missing link' in these structures right now and the potential damage that will be caused by the continued absence of a local minister and a devolved Assembly they're accountable to.

"Ministerial leadership is urgently required to ensure the implementation of strategies designed to protect nature and address the climate challenges we're facing.

"The DUP walking away from these crucial responsibilities creates a serious threat to our natural environment, precious habitats, and native species, as well as abandoning the duties attached to a Climate Act introduced by a DUP minister.

"Inaction is simply not an option here, and Alliance will continue to work with environmental agencies in their efforts to address these crises."