SDLP Urge Health Minister To Intervene On NI Children's Hospice

The SDLP have called on Health Minister Robin Swann to intervene on funding for the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.

The hospice has announced it will reduce bed capacity due to a loss of government funding.

Making the call, Health Spokesperson and South Down MLA Colin McGrath said: "The loss of funding that has led to the removal of a bed at the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice underlines the significant challenges that face our health service in terms of both resources and the care provided. While it is only one bed being removed as a result of financial pressure, the resulting changes will have a significant impact on children and families going through the worst situation imaginable.

"The Children's Hospice does incredible work, providing comfort and support in the most difficult of circumstances, their staff go above and beyond and provide a service that is priceless for the impact it has. I understand the financial situation facing our health service and the competing demands for funding, but I don't believe we can leave this hospice without the money it needs to continue its current level of care.

"Our new Health Minister faces an incredible body of work as he takes up the role once again, but I would urge Robin Swann to engage with the Children's Hospice and do what's necessary to restore this funding. Thinking about children coming to the end of their life is deeply upsetting for anyone and I can't begin to think about what that experience is like for those children and their families. We have a duty to do everything we can to ensure that they get the best care possible in a environment that meets their needs."

PSNI's International Policing Unit Arrest Man Wanted In Czech Republic

A 43-year-old Czech national has been arrested by the PSNI's International Policing Unit on an extradition arrest warrant issued by the Czech Republic for theft offences.

Detective Inspector Lennon from the International Policing Unit said: "This is another example of how the Police Service of Northern Ireland works closely with International Law Enforcement partners to track down wanted persons and bring offenders to justice.

"Our message is clear; Northern Ireland is not somewhere you can hide to avoid arrest or the consequences of your actions.

"We will continue to actively pursue those who are trying to delay or deny justice to victims of crime."

Alliance Calls Action On Under Resourced Irish-Medium Education Sector

The Alliance Party have called on the Education Minister to ensure that the Irish-medium education sector is sufficiently resourced in order to meet growing demand.

Alliance Education spokesperson Nick Mathison MLA and colleague Sian Mulholland MLA, party spokesperson on Young People, made the call following an Irish-Medium Research Symposium which explored the Queens University research paper, 'Fair? Shared? Supported? Examining expectations and realities for Irish-medium practitioners'.

Mr Mathison has said: "The research presented here has demonstrated the significant number of challenges currently facing the Irish-medium education sector. Such challenges include a lack of classroom-based materials, issues with recruiting staff, and the physicality of school buildings and facilities, which are struggling to meet growing demand.

"Despite these challenges, the sector has seen a growth of 8.5% over the last 5 years, with a further projected growth of 4% for the next 5 years. Speakers throughout the afternoon highlighted the importance of seeing this reflected at departmental level, and ensuring that the Irish-medium sector is properly valued and supported.

"Irish-medium education has an important part to play in improving outcomes identified in the 'A Fair Start' report, and it was particularly welcome to hear from Professor Noel Purdy on the importance of ensuring it is properly resourced.

"Education in Northern Ireland has been chronically underfunded for years, resulting in pressures being felt across the system as a whole. With an Education Minister finally in-post, I would urge him to ensure that the Irish-medium sector receives the investment and support it needs in order to meet demand."

Ms Mulholland added: "As the parent of children who are being educated within the Irish-medium sector, I understand the importance and value that bi-lingual immersion education has on the academic development of a child.

"However, I also see first-hand some of the challenges the sector is facing. I hope that long-term strategic investment can be achieved so that those parents who choose to educate their children in two languages can do so with ease and confidence."