Other News In Brief

SDLP Welcomes Irish Govt Action Against Legacy Bill

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has welcomed confirmation from Tánaiste Micheál Martin that the Irish Government will take an inter-state case challenging the British Government’s legacy legislation.

Colum Eastwood MP said: "No political party or institution on this island supports the British Government’s approach to addressing the legacy of the past. This Tory government has passed the most extreme legislation that shuts down access to justice for victims and survivors who have been fighting for decades for the truth about what happened to their loved ones.

"The British Government has clearly undermined the international treaty entered into as part of the Stormont House Agreement, they have fought political leaders from every party in the North and they have set themselves against the needs of victims and survivors. The inter-state case being taken by the Irish Government is both welcome and utterly necessary.

"If the British Government will not respect the treaties it enters into, respect international law or respect the basic tenets of justice then it must be challenged robustly."

Dept Of Health Announce New Framework Tender

The Department of Health has announced a new tender process, inviting suppliers to join a new framework for the supply of professional and technical, allied health professional, support services, administration and clerical and social care agency workers for the NI health and social care service is currently live.

The tender is due to close on 10th January 2024.

In October 2022, the then Health Minister Robin Swann said that "off contract" expenditure is not a cost-effective use of taxpayers' money, and can lead to a lack of workforce continuity, with the potential to undermine safe care. This was in the context of a planned drive to reduce agency use in health and social care.

In June this year, the Department of Health confirmed that Health and Social Trusts would no longer be able to engage social work agency staff. In August, a new Framework for the supply of agency nurses, midwives and healthcare workers meant that Trusts are no longer able to use any off Framework agencies, where no contracted terms are in place.

Department of Health Permanent Secretary Peter May said: "I very much welcome the ongoing progress in relation to reducing agency usage. The health service is facing a period of unprecedented budgetary pressures. Reducing agency spend is important and not just because of the costs involved. Staff have been clear that excessive agency use is unfair and impacts on morale. Importantly, having consistent clinical teams also enhances patient safety."

£10m Cocaine Haul Accused Denied Bail

Newry Magistrates Court has denied bail for a 38-year-old man, charged in connection with a £10 million cocaine seizure.

The man was arrested when the lorry he was driving was stopped by Slieve Gullion Neighbourhood Policing Team officers, whilst on routine patrol in the Jonesborough area of South Armagh on Monday evening, 11th December.

During a search, cocaine worth an estimated £10m was discovered hidden under a false floor in the vehicle.

Mr McBride was remanded into custody and is due to appear in court again on 16 January.