19/10/2026
New Chief Scientific Adviser To Department Of Health Appointed
Health Minister Robbie Butler has announced the appointment of Professor Danny McAuley as the Department of Health's Chief Scientific Adviser.
In the role, Professor McAuley will provide scientific leadership across the health and social care system, supporting high-quality evidence to improve patient care and public health, and deepening understanding of health, disease, diagnosis, treatment and care.
Minister Butler said: "I am delighted to announce Professor Danny McAuley as the Chief Scientific Adviser to this Department."
"Danny joins my Department as part of a long and distinguished career within Health and Social Care.
"Danny is Professor of Intensive Care Medicine at the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University of Belfast, and Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. His scientific knowledge and expertise will be of immense value to me and others in this Department in formulating and developing policy to enhance the health and wellbeing of patients, and the population more generally.
"As Director of the HSC Research & Development Division, Danny will also be an excellent ambassador for research in Northern Ireland's health and social care sector. Our aim is to help leading edge research grow and to make Northern Ireland a region of choice for clinical trials."
In the role, Professor McAuley will provide scientific leadership across the health and social care system, supporting high-quality evidence to improve patient care and public health, and deepening understanding of health, disease, diagnosis, treatment and care.
Minister Butler said: "I am delighted to announce Professor Danny McAuley as the Chief Scientific Adviser to this Department."
"Danny joins my Department as part of a long and distinguished career within Health and Social Care.
"As Director of the HSC Research & Development Division, Danny will also be an excellent ambassador for research in Northern Ireland's health and social care sector. Our aim is to help leading edge research grow and to make Northern Ireland a region of choice for clinical trials."
Latest Northern Ireland News
19 October 2026
Police Investigate Email Sent To Schools Across NI
Police in Northern Ireland received reports today, Monday 19 October, about an email circulated to multiple schools across the region. Officers are conducting urgent enquiries and are liaising with the schools involved. Further updates will be provided in due course.
Police Investigate Email Sent To Schools Across NI
Police in Northern Ireland received reports today, Monday 19 October, about an email circulated to multiple schools across the region. Officers are conducting urgent enquiries and are liaising with the schools involved. Further updates will be provided in due course.
19 October 2026
PSNI Appeal After Arson Attack At North Belfast House
Police in Belfast are appealing for information after an arson attack at a property in the north of the city on Sunday evening, 18 October. Detective Sergeant Sarah Cunningham said: "At around 8.30pm, police received a report of a fire at a house on the Shore Road, close to the Skegoneill area.
PSNI Appeal After Arson Attack At North Belfast House
Police in Belfast are appealing for information after an arson attack at a property in the north of the city on Sunday evening, 18 October. Detective Sergeant Sarah Cunningham said: "At around 8.30pm, police received a report of a fire at a house on the Shore Road, close to the Skegoneill area.
19 October 2026
New Chief Scientific Adviser To Department Of Health Appointed
Health Minister Robbie Butler has announced the appointment of Professor Danny McAuley as the Department of Health's Chief Scientific Adviser.
New Chief Scientific Adviser To Department Of Health Appointed
Health Minister Robbie Butler has announced the appointment of Professor Danny McAuley as the Department of Health's Chief Scientific Adviser.
19 October 2026
People's Park Works Begin For £60m Portadown Flood Scheme
Progress on the Portadown Flood Alleviation Scheme is continuing, with advance works to relocate NIE services starting on today, 19 October 2026. The activities will take place in People's Park, Portadown, and include service diversion works to support Phase 1 of the project.
People's Park Works Begin For £60m Portadown Flood Scheme
Progress on the Portadown Flood Alleviation Scheme is continuing, with advance works to relocate NIE services starting on today, 19 October 2026. The activities will take place in People's Park, Portadown, and include service diversion works to support Phase 1 of the project.
19 October 2026
Lyons Unveils £750,000 Small Capital Grants For Arts Organisations
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £750,000 Small Capital Grants Programme to help arts organisations across Northern Ireland. The scheme will fund the purchase of equipment and minor improvements to venues and facilities.
Lyons Unveils £750,000 Small Capital Grants For Arts Organisations
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £750,000 Small Capital Grants Programme to help arts organisations across Northern Ireland. The scheme will fund the purchase of equipment and minor improvements to venues and facilities.
19 October 2026
NI Skills Council Relaunched To Drive Growth
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has relaunched the Northern Ireland Skills Council (NISC), welcoming members to its first full meeting since a review concluded, as part of efforts to strengthen skills development and support economic growth.
NI Skills Council Relaunched To Drive Growth
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has relaunched the Northern Ireland Skills Council (NISC), welcoming members to its first full meeting since a review concluded, as part of efforts to strengthen skills development and support economic growth.
19 October 2026
Craigavon Halloween Fireworks
A new traffic management plan will be in place for this year’s Halloween fireworks at South Lakes Leisure Centre, Craigavon, on Thursday 29 October.
Craigavon Halloween Fireworks
A new traffic management plan will be in place for this year’s Halloween fireworks at South Lakes Leisure Centre, Craigavon, on Thursday 29 October.
19 October 2026
Sinn Féin Tables Urgent Oral Questions After Jeffrey Donaldson Sentencing
Sinn Féin has lodged a series of urgent oral questions with the Executive Office (TEO), and the Education and Communities departments, following the sentencing of Jeffrey Donaldson for child rape and sexual abuse. The party's chief whip, Sinéad Ennis, said: "Firstly, our thoughts are with the victims of Jeffrey Donaldson.
Sinn Féin Tables Urgent Oral Questions After Jeffrey Donaldson Sentencing
Sinn Féin has lodged a series of urgent oral questions with the Executive Office (TEO), and the Education and Communities departments, following the sentencing of Jeffrey Donaldson for child rape and sexual abuse. The party's chief whip, Sinéad Ennis, said: "Firstly, our thoughts are with the victims of Jeffrey Donaldson.
19 October 2026
Appeal For Witnesses After Castlewellan Burglary
Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a burglary in Castlewellan on Saturday evening, 17 October. A report was received at around 6.30pm that two unknown men entered a property in the Clarkill area and demanded payment for roof repairs. They then removed a sum of cash from a wallet in the house before leaving.
Appeal For Witnesses After Castlewellan Burglary
Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a burglary in Castlewellan on Saturday evening, 17 October. A report was received at around 6.30pm that two unknown men entered a property in the Clarkill area and demanded payment for roof repairs. They then removed a sum of cash from a wallet in the house before leaving.
16 October 2026
PSNI Welcomes Sentencing Of Jeffrey Donaldson
At Newry Crown Court, 63-year-old Jeffrey Donaldson was sentenced to 15 years for 18 non-recent child sexual abuse offences, including the rape of a child under the age of 13. He will remain on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and is subject to a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).
PSNI Welcomes Sentencing Of Jeffrey Donaldson
At Newry Crown Court, 63-year-old Jeffrey Donaldson was sentenced to 15 years for 18 non-recent child sexual abuse offences, including the rape of a child under the age of 13. He will remain on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and is subject to a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Sunny start with an early frost, and any fog soon clearing. Turning cloudy from the southeast from late morning with some patchy light rain possible. Brighter spells developing again later in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Mostly dry through the evening with some clear spells, chance of the odd light shower in the southeast. Remaining mainly dry with some clear spells overnight. Minimum temperature 6 °C.