UUP Justice Spokesperson Warns of PSNI Resource Crisis Following Ombudsman's McCartney Report

Ulster Unionist Justice Spokesperson Doug Beattie MC MLA has warned that the PSNI's inability to act decisively in the case of serial child sex abuser Alexander McCartney was a direct consequence of a lack of resources, not a lack of will. Mr Beattie was responding to a damning Police Ombudsman report which confirmed that critical forensic analysis was delayed because the PSNI was overwhelmed and underfunded. The McCartney case, which involved online child sexual abuse while the offender was on bail, tragically led to the death of a victim in the US and the victim's father. Mr Beattie stressed that the PSNI simply lacked the capacity to deal with the case alongside 935 computers and 284 mobile phones requiring forensic examination. He urged the Department of Justice to urgently prioritise funding for frontline policing and forensic capacity, warning that without investment in staff, infrastructure, and technology, similar "devastating consequences" will happen again.

SDLP Warns Road Repairs Have Reached 'Breaking Point' Due to Underfunding SDLP Opposition Infrastructure Spokesperson Justin McNulty MLA has demanded that the Infrastructure Minister respond to a critical warning from the Mineral Products Association (MPA) regarding the worsening state of Northern Ireland's roads. The MPA highlighted that scaled-back repair programmes, unprecedented staff shortages within the Department for Infrastructure, and delayed project approvals are crippling road maintenance. Mr McNulty, the Newry & Armagh MLA, raised the issue at the Infrastructure Committee, stating that the lack of funding "spells disaster for our roads." He argued that every £1 not spent on timely surface renewal results in up to £4 in future reconstruction and damage costs, putting the public and their vehicles at risk while also impacting the overall economy. Mr McNulty proposed that the Minister be asked to appear before the Committee to provide answers on these "fundamental" issues.

Sinn Féin Slams Education Authority Cuts to Support for Vulnerable Children

Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker has strongly criticised the Education Authority (EA) for announcing a series of cuts, specifically targeting the reduction of support for children with social, emotional, behavioural, medical, and other needs provided through the ‘Education Otherwise Than at School’ programme. The West Belfast MLA, who serves as the party’s children and young people spokesperson, stated that the cuts are a result of "years of financial mismanagement" and will impact the most vulnerable children. He also highlighted that the cuts include rising prices for school meals and music lessons, and will force the Lagan Valley Education Project in his constituency to close its doors next year. MLA Baker has submitted the issue for debate in the Assembly next week, slamming the measures as reckless and demanding action for the affected families and workers.