Other News In Brief

Justice Minister Seeks Members For Civil Legal Services Appeal Panels

Justice Minister Naomi Long is seeking to recruit Chairpersons and Members for Civil Legal Services Appeal Panels.

The appeal panels consider and adjudicate on appeals against decisions to refuse to fund representation in court.

Minister Long said: "Independent Appeal Panels are an important safeguard to protect the independence of individual decisions on the granting of civil legal aid. I am seeking applications from those who believe they can bring the essential wealth of experience, skills and knowledge necessary for these demanding roles.

"This is an exciting time with the current reform of civil and criminal justice and we will need the right people to ensure the right decisions on legal aid are made. I encourage anyone with an interest in access to justice and the provision of publicly funded legal services, and who have the necessary experience to apply."

The deadline for receipt of applications is 12 noon on 28 March 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.

Candidate information packs and applications forms are available on the NICS Recruitment website.

Alliance Calls For Govts To Abandon Paramilitary Engagement Plans

Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson MLA has called on the UK and Irish Governments to immediately abandon plans for engaging with paramilitary groups, urging them instead to demand their disbandment.

The Upper Bann MLA's comments come ahead of an Alliance Assembly motion on Monday, 10th March, opposing the governments' announced plans to appoint an independent person to scope out a process of 'group transition' through talks with paramilitary organisations.

"More than a quarter of a century after the Good Friday Agreement, it is shameful that the two governments would seek to legitimise paramilitary organisations in this way," he said.

Tennyson also criticised the proposed amendments from other Assembly parties. "Equally shameful is the approach of some other Assembly parties. Sinn Féin's proposed amendment would remove our categorical rejection of these plans, while the UUP talk of 'empowering' paramilitaries to leave the stage, blatantly disregarding the fact that they could have chosen to do so at any point over the last 27 years." He argued that the governments' plans would provide undeserved legitimacy to paramilitary groups and send a concerning message to those they exploit. "The governments' plans provide a platform and credibility to paramilitaries that they do not deserve, and send a worrying message to the people they criminally coerce, groom and exploit for their own gain. Alliance has long warned of the folly of appointing such a 'go-between', which will only serve to undermine the progress the Executive has been making to tackle paramilitarism and stop these criminals lining their pockets through drug dealing, extortion and control."

Tennyson advocated for a focus on law enforcement and community resilience. "Rather than sitting down for tea and biscuits with criminals, the focus ought to be on placing those responsible behind bars where they belong. In addition, we must redouble our efforts to build resilience in communities through tackling deprivation, educational underachievement and the other factors that leave people vulnerable to paramilitary influence."

He concluded: "The UK and Irish Governments need to immediately abandon their plans to engage with these criminals, who offer nothing to communities other than creating more victims and misery."

Communities Minister Seeking To Strengthen Cultural Ties With US

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons will seek to further strengthen cultural and historical links between Northern Ireland and the USA during his upcoming visit to Washington.

Speaking ahead of the five-day working trip the Minister said: "This is a unique opportunity to highlight our role in the formation of the United States 250 years ago and the role we continue to play today.

"I will be focused on strengthening our cultural and historical links as well as showcasing Northern Ireland as a place to visit, invest in and to discover more about the Ulster-Scots influence on modern America.

"I look forward to building upon the relationships forged over the last year to promote Northern Ireland’s participation in the semiquincentennial celebration."

Minister Lyons will undertake a number of speaking engagements with a highlight event at the Smithsonian. A series of meetings is planned with a range of partners including the US-NI working group and the America 250 Committee.

The Minister will also undertake a number of diplomatic engagements and meetings as part of the Northern Ireland Executive delegation.

Minister Lyons added: "I have a busy programme planned but at its heart will be work to enhance existing relationships and to establish long-term collaborations with a key partner for Northern Ireland.

"The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 is an event of global significance and I want to ensure we are ready to mark the occasion and that our contribution, past and future, is recognised."