27/03/2026
Mason Slams Education Minister's Failure To Provide Special School Summer Schemes
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has criticised the DUP Education Minister for failing to put summer schemes in place for children in special schools this summer, describing the situation as unacceptable.
The South Down MLA said: "It is unacceptable that the Health and Education Ministers could not come up with a solution to continue this much-needed provision this summer.
"These special school summer schemes are a lifeline for many families, providing vital respite and important support for children with complex needs.
"In recent days we have seen the Education Minister attempt to deflect from his failings in improving the education system, instead he should be focused on protecting the most vulnerable in our society.
"I will be writing to both Ministers to challenge this decision and to press them to get their heads together and find a solution that works for these children, their families and their schools."
The South Down MLA said: "It is unacceptable that the Health and Education Ministers could not come up with a solution to continue this much-needed provision this summer.
"In recent days we have seen the Education Minister attempt to deflect from his failings in improving the education system, instead he should be focused on protecting the most vulnerable in our society.
"I will be writing to both Ministers to challenge this decision and to press them to get their heads together and find a solution that works for these children, their families and their schools."
Latest Northern Ireland News
27 March 2026
Ombudsman Clears Armed Response Officers After Toy Gun Incident
A Police Ombudsman investigation has determined that officers did not use excessive force during an incident involving a toy water pistol that was initially reported as a credible firearm. The event took place in September 2025 in Belfast. Armed Response Officers were deployed following reports that a gun had been sighted inside a moving vehicle.
Ombudsman Clears Armed Response Officers After Toy Gun Incident
A Police Ombudsman investigation has determined that officers did not use excessive force during an incident involving a toy water pistol that was initially reported as a credible firearm. The event took place in September 2025 in Belfast. Armed Response Officers were deployed following reports that a gun had been sighted inside a moving vehicle.
27 March 2026
Alliance Submits Recall Petition Over Special School Summer Schemes
The Alliance Party has officially tabled a petition to recall the Assembly in an effort to protect summer schemes at special schools. The move follows an announcement by the Education Authority that the schemes are being cancelled. The Authority cited concerns regarding the availability of healthcare provision for the children involved.
Alliance Submits Recall Petition Over Special School Summer Schemes
The Alliance Party has officially tabled a petition to recall the Assembly in an effort to protect summer schemes at special schools. The move follows an announcement by the Education Authority that the schemes are being cancelled. The Authority cited concerns regarding the availability of healthcare provision for the children involved.
27 March 2026
Applications Open for Seventh Year of IGNITE Programme
Belfast City Airport has announced that applications are now being accepted for the seventh year of its IGNITE Youth Leadership Programme. The initiative is open to students aged 16 to 18 from across Northern Ireland.
Applications Open for Seventh Year of IGNITE Programme
Belfast City Airport has announced that applications are now being accepted for the seventh year of its IGNITE Youth Leadership Programme. The initiative is open to students aged 16 to 18 from across Northern Ireland.
27 March 2026
Northern Trust Makes Body-Worn Cameras Permanent In Antrim ED
The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has approved the permanent use of body‑worn cameras for staff in Antrim Area Hospital's Emergency Department (ED) and will extend the scheme to Causeway Hospital's ED, following a 12‑week pilot completed last year.
Northern Trust Makes Body-Worn Cameras Permanent In Antrim ED
The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has approved the permanent use of body‑worn cameras for staff in Antrim Area Hospital's Emergency Department (ED) and will extend the scheme to Causeway Hospital's ED, following a 12‑week pilot completed last year.
27 March 2026
Mason Slams Education Minister's Failure To Provide Special School Summer Schemes
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has criticised the DUP Education Minister for failing to put summer schemes in place for children in special schools this summer, describing the situation as unacceptable.
Mason Slams Education Minister's Failure To Provide Special School Summer Schemes
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has criticised the DUP Education Minister for failing to put summer schemes in place for children in special schools this summer, describing the situation as unacceptable.
27 March 2026
Murray's Call For Pilot Drug Testing At Belfast Events Clears First Hurdle
An Alliance Party motion from Balmoral councillor Micky Murray to trial drug and pill testing facilities at major events and festivals across Belfast has passed its initial stage at Belfast City Council.
Murray's Call For Pilot Drug Testing At Belfast Events Clears First Hurdle
An Alliance Party motion from Balmoral councillor Micky Murray to trial drug and pill testing facilities at major events and festivals across Belfast has passed its initial stage at Belfast City Council.
27 March 2026
Two Arrested After Reported Stabbing In North Belfast
Police received a report of a stabbing in the Bentinck Street area of north Belfast shortly after 2.05pm on Thursday, 26 March. Two men, aged 33 and 35, were arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and possessing an offensive weapon with intent. Both men remain in police custody at this time.
Two Arrested After Reported Stabbing In North Belfast
Police received a report of a stabbing in the Bentinck Street area of north Belfast shortly after 2.05pm on Thursday, 26 March. Two men, aged 33 and 35, were arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and possessing an offensive weapon with intent. Both men remain in police custody at this time.
27 March 2026
Police Appeal After Aggravated Burglary In Newtownards
Detectives are appealing for information after an aggravated burglary in Newtownards on Thursday morning, 26 March. Detective Sergeant Westbury said: "It was reported to police that a male had been assaulted in the Killard Heights area of the town.
Police Appeal After Aggravated Burglary In Newtownards
Detectives are appealing for information after an aggravated burglary in Newtownards on Thursday morning, 26 March. Detective Sergeant Westbury said: "It was reported to police that a male had been assaulted in the Killard Heights area of the town.
27 March 2026
NI Water Highlights Infrastructure Pressures To Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
NI Water has detailed the scale of the investment challenge facing water and wastewater services in the Lisburn & Castlereagh area, during a briefing to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council. The utility set out pressures across an ageing network and the funding constraints that are limiting the pace of much‑needed upgrades.
NI Water Highlights Infrastructure Pressures To Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
NI Water has detailed the scale of the investment challenge facing water and wastewater services in the Lisburn & Castlereagh area, during a briefing to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council. The utility set out pressures across an ageing network and the funding constraints that are limiting the pace of much‑needed upgrades.
27 March 2026
New Academy To Boost Skills And Job Prospects For People With Disabilities
A five-day initiative to build confidence, strengthen employability and offer practical vocational experience for people with disabilities will run from 27 April to 1 May 2026, 9.30am–12.30pm each day.
New Academy To Boost Skills And Job Prospects For People With Disabilities
A five-day initiative to build confidence, strengthen employability and offer practical vocational experience for people with disabilities will run from 27 April to 1 May 2026, 9.30am–12.30pm each day.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.