Other News In Brief

Appeal For Information On Burglary And Attempted ATM Theft In Jonesborough

The PSNI's Organised Crime Unit have issued an appeal for information on a burglary and attempted ATM theft in Jonesborough.

Making the appeal, Detective Sergeant Monaghan said: "Police received a report that an off licence in The Village area had been entered during the early hours of Monday morning, 26th February.

"A shutter at the rear of the property had been forced open and substantial damage was caused to the ceiling area.

"Extensive damage had also been caused to an ATM housed inside the premises – in an attempt to force it open. Thankfully, nothing was taken from it.

"We are investigating reports two men were observed at the back of the property during the early hours of Monday morning, who were wearing all dark clothing, gloves and masks covering their faces.

"These men accessed the property via its roof, before leaving again and returning sometime later with two other men, who were also wearing dark clothing and masks, with a similar large build.

"They again entered the premises and were all carrying tools in an attempt to break into the safe of the ATM.

"We believe the men then left the premises on foot empty-handed and fled across a field at the rear of the building.

"Our investigation is now underway to establish exactly what happened, who was involved and a motive.

"We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time, and saw anything suspicious on Sunday evening between 11pm and 4am on Monday morning, to call police on 101, quoting reference number 240 26/02/24."

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org

DoH Must Urgently Review Decision To Cut Sexual Abuse Counselling Services

Alliance Health spokesperson, Nuala McAllister, has called for an urgent review of the decision from the Department of Health to stop providing specialist counselling services for victims of sexual abuse.

The call came after North Belfast MLA Ms McAllister spoke to Nexus NI and had it confirmed the organisation's contract for specialist counselling services was ending. Nexus NI, which offers support for victims of sexual abuse, also confirmed the Department had not entered a contract with any other provider of similar services, meaning no specialist counselling services for victims of sexual abuse would exist here.

"This is deeply concerning news, given the need for a bespoke service for so many people across the community," said Ms McAllister. "Nexus NI provides a vital service, so this news has been compounded by confirmation from the organisation the Department has not entered a contract with any other similar group. It has instead stated victims of sexual abuse can be referred to their GP for a standard counselling service.

"That is simply not good enough. Victims of sexual abuse need specialist therapeutic services, not merely passed to a GP. It is crucial all victims of sexual abuse have access to counselling services meeting their particular needs.

"I have requested the Health Minister update MLAs in the Assembly, with a view to reviewing and changing this decision. Otherwise vulnerable people will be left without the help they need. In the same week the Assembly debated a motion calling for the end of all violence against women and girls, what message does this send?"

Education Minister Highlights Critical Need For Resolution To Teachers Dispute

DUP Education Minister, Paul Givan, has highlighted the critical need for a resolution to the ongoing teacher industrial action.

Minister Givan was speaking at the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) Northern Conference where he restated that continued industrial action is having a serious detrimental impact on the education of our children and young people across Northern Ireland.

Addressing delegates the Minister said: "The resolution of the ongoing industrial action is critical to me. I am committed to stabilising the education system and this cannot be achieved with the ongoing industrial action, including action short of strike.

"I want to state clearly that it is not acceptable that teachers have not received a pay award for three years. Our teachers and school leaders deserve to be paid at a level which recognises the outstanding job they do.

"Immediately following my appointment, I met with the five recognised teaching trade unions (NITC). I hope that following continuing negotiations, it will soon be possible to bring an end to all industrial action and provide teachers with a pay award which recognises their value."

Turning to wider investment in Education, the Minister continued: "Since taking up office just under one month ago, I have set out a clear vision of how I want to reshape our Education offering to deliver a system that is worthy of our children, our teachers and our ambitions for a prosperous and dynamic Northern Ireland.

"That cannot be achieved without adequate and recurrent investment, particularly in regard to pay awards. We know that education is facing significant challenges and with the current financial resources we cannot presently meet the increasing demands placed on the system.

"Let me assure you, I will continue to fight Education's corner to make the case for additional capital resources from the Executive's Budget 2024-25."

The Minister was addressing the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) 156th Annual Northern Conference.