Other News In Brief

Minister Welcomes Formal Pay Offer For NI Teachers

Education Minister Paul Givan has welcomed that a formal offer on teachers' pay for 2021, 2022 and 2023 has been made to the five main teaching unions.

The proposed settlement will see the starting salary for teachers in Northern Ireland rise to £30,000. This is a 24.3% increase from the current starting salary and brings the starting point equal to England.

The pay offer equates to a cumulative total of 10.4% plus £1,000 being applied to the other teachers' and leadership pay scales.

Mr Givan said: "I am pleased that there has been significant progress on the issue of the teachers' pay with a formal offer being made to the teaching unions.

"This offer, which equates to a 24.3% pay rise for beginning teachers, will help both attract and retain the best teachers to our schools.

"It is unacceptable that teachers have been waiting three years for a pay increase. I have made it clear that my highest priority is to ensure that the teaching profession is paid at a rate which recognises the value of their profession.

"This is a positive step in that direction, and I commend the positive negotiations that have taken place within the Teachers' Negotiating Committee (TNC) which consists of management and the trade unions representing teachers and school leaders."

The Northern Ireland Teaching Council (NITC) comprises the five main teaching unions - Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO), National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), National Education Union (NEU), Ulster Teachers' Union (UTU).

The Minister continued: "The five trade unions which make up the Northern Ireland Teaching Council (NITC) will now consult with their members on the proposals in advance of any formal acceptance.

"I would urge all teachers and school leaders to consider the formal offer which, if accepted and implemented, will bring an end to all industrial action which has been ongoing since May 2022.

"The ending of the industrial action will create the opportunity to stabilise our education system and allow us to build upon this towards the delivery of world class education in Northern Ireland."

Appeal Following Van Theft In South Armagh

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information after a van was stolen from the Lislea area in South Armagh.

Making the appeal, Detective Sergeant Dougherty said: "Police received a report shortly after 5.15pm on Sunday, 10th March that a white Citroen Berlingo van had been taken from a yard in the Quarry Road area.

"We believe the van was stolen sometime on Saturday evening. 9th March. A mobile phone, tool bag and ladders were also inside the vehicle at the time of the theft. "The stolen vehicle was later located blocking a road in the Courtney Road area late on Sunday evening. It was discovered without a front tyre and was also extensively damaged.

"It has since been taken away for further forensic examination as enquiries into this report continue.

"We would appeal to anyone who was in the Quarry Road area on Saturday evening and noticed anything suspicious, or out of the ordinary, to make contact with police on 101, quoting reference 1166 10/03/24.

"We would also be especially keen to hear from anyone who may have dash-cam, CCTV or mobile footage of both the Quarry Road and Garvagh Road areas over the weekend that we could review."

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/

Mary Ann McCracken And Winifred Carney Statues Unveiled At Belfast City Hall

Two new bronze statues of Mary Ann McCracken and Winifred Carney have been unveiled in the grounds of Belfast City Hall, on International Women's Day, 08 March.

Mary Ann McCracken was an abolitionist, educator, social reformer and businesswoman who fought for the rights of many, while Winifred Carney was a suffragist, committed trade unionist and political activist.

The design of the two statues reflects the values and activities for which they are best known.

Mary Ann is depicted handing out abolitionist leaflets while wearing a Wedgewood anti-slavery badge and Winifred's sculpture reflects her roles as a trade unionist, adjutant in the Irish Citizen Army and as James Connolly's personal secretary and political confidante.

Cllr Ryan Murphy said: "As these are two of the most notable and influential women in Belfast's history, it is important that they receive this formal recognition by the council on behalf of the city.

"Following the opening of the City Hall Visitor Experience in 2017, the installation of these statues marks another important step in the council implementing the recommendations of a 2012 report which focused on ensuring we created a ‘good and harmonious environment' through our displays at City Hall and its grounds.

"These statues celebrate female achievement, inclusivity and the diversity of the people who have helped shape our city. They will therefore help to educate locals and visitors about our city's history, and I have no doubt that they will help attract more visitors to City Hall and the city for decades to come.

"I would encourage as many people as possible to come view the statues for themselves and find out more about the importance and influence of Mary Ann and Winifred."

The statues were sculpted by internationally acclaimed artist Ralf Sander along with his daughter Naomi Sander.