Maskey Welcomes Belfast Tech Firms Investment Plans

Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has welcomed the news that seven Belfast-based Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are creating 33 new jobs following a collective investment of £4.1 million.

The companies—including Bia Analytical, Enzai Technologies, and Rubik Technologies—have been supported by Invest NI to increase exports and invest in research and development.

The West Belfast MP stated that the creation of over 30 good-quality jobs speaks to the "growing confidence in our economy and the ability of local enterprises to flourish with the right support," and wished the companies success as they embark on this new chapter.

UUP Welcome New Mobile Alert System For Schools

Ulster Unionist Education Spokesperson Jon Burrows MLA has welcomed the Education Minister’s announcement that the Education Authority (EA) will introduce an opt-in group messaging service for school principals, along with text alerts for parents in the event of school closures.

This follows a review into the handling of Storm Amy, where "communication failures" were admitted. Mr Burrows had called for a mobile alert system after it became clear that critical communication relied too heavily on email, leading to delays.

He described the new measures as a "practical and positive step" that will allow parents to make alternative arrangements sooner.

Lord Dodds Criticises Protocol Impact On NI Car Market

Speaking in the House of Lords, Lord Dodds strongly criticised the Protocol rules, arguing they formalise the fragmentation of the UK internal market by creating two distinct vehicle type approval regimes.

Lord Dodds pointed to the severe impact on the Northern Ireland car market: sales are down by 6% in the first 10 months of the year, while the rest of the UK has grown by 5%, representing an estimated £50 million reduction in turnover. He noted that the UK's best-selling car, the Vauxhall Corsa, can no longer be sold in Northern Ireland under current rules, and that consumers face reduced choice and potentially up to £4,000 more in Benefit-in-Kind taxation.

Warning that 17,600 jobs are supported by the sector, he called for an extension of the transition period and the full restoration of Northern Ireland to the UK internal market with GB type approval rules applying equally.