SF MLA To Mark Baby Loss Awareness Week With Stormont Ribbon Display

Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan is set to mark the beginning of Baby Loss Awareness Week on Thursday, 9 October, by hosting a ribbon display at Stormont in memory of babies lost too soon.

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA highlighted the importance of the week as an opportunity for families to remember and to raise awareness about the support needed for parents experiencing the devastating loss of a child. She thanked the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS) for their compassion and assistance in organising the ribbon display at Parliament Buildings.

Ms Dolan also drew attention to the new Baby Loss Certificate Scheme, which is intended to provide official recognition for parents who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. She confirmed that Finance Minister John O'Dowd is bringing forward legislation to establish the scheme, calling it a compassionate measure.

Sinn Féin is committed to ensuring families are supported, and Ms Dolan stated she looks forward to working with other parties to progress this vital piece of legislation, ensuring families receive the recognition and dignity they deserve.

Man Charged Over Cookstown Takeaway Assault

Police investigating an assault on two females at a takeaway in Cookstown have charged a man to court. A 33-year-old man was arrested and subsequently charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.

He is scheduled to appear before Dungannon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 29 October. As is standard procedure, the charges will be subject to review by the Public Prosecution Service.

Civil Service Launches 2026/27 Student Placement Scheme

Finance Minister John O'Dowd has launched the recruitment competition for the 2026/27 Civil Service Student Placement Scheme.

Approximately 125 placements are available across government departments, offering students an annual salary of £25,796 per annum.

The scheme features two separate competitions:

• General Competition: Approximately 100 placements are available across a wide range of areas, including accountancy, project management, communications, science, ICT, economics, and law.

• Construction & Infrastructure Competition: Approximately 25 placements are available in areas such as architecture, engineering, surveying, and planning.

Minister O'Dowd encouraged those eligible to apply, stating that working in the Civil Service offers "an excellent opportunity to gain valuable and practical experience" and contributes to public service delivery.

The competition is open to students currently studying for an undergraduate degree who will have successfully completed their second-year exams by the end of the 2025/26 academic year. Applications close at noon on Friday, 24 October 2025, with placements starting between July and September 2026.