19/10/2026
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.
"Without their bravery in coming forward, Jeffrey Donaldson may never have faced justice for his heinous crimes.
"Sinn Féin has submitted an urgent oral question to TEO asking what steps have been taken to ensure victims and survivors of sexual abuse are supported and how it is incorporated in to the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Framework.
"An urgent question has also been submitted to the Education Minister to find out if there were safeguarding concerns arising from Jeffrey Donaldson's involvement in schools or on Boards of Governors.
"And also, to the Communities Minister in relation to stronger regulation for charities, such as the Christian Family Centre in Armoy, around the reporting of sexual abuse allegations.
"It is vital that lessons are learned to help tackle the scourge of violence against women and girls."
The party's chief whip, Sinéad Ennis, said: "Firstly, our thoughts are with the victims of Jeffrey Donaldson.
"Without their bravery in coming forward, Jeffrey Donaldson may never have faced justice for his heinous crimes.
"An urgent question has also been submitted to the Education Minister to find out if there were safeguarding concerns arising from Jeffrey Donaldson's involvement in schools or on Boards of Governors.
"And also, to the Communities Minister in relation to stronger regulation for charities, such as the Christian Family Centre in Armoy, around the reporting of sexual abuse allegations.
"It is vital that lessons are learned to help tackle the scourge of violence against women and girls."
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. Ulster Unionist Deputy Leader Diana Armstrong MLA has condemned the threats.
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. Ulster Unionist Deputy Leader Diana Armstrong MLA has condemned the threats.
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
Causeway Hospital Radio Marks 25 Years Of Bringing Comfort To Patients
Causeway Hospital Radio has marked its 25th anniversary of providing music, comfort and companionship to patients, with volunteers past and present gathering to celebrate the milestone.
Causeway Hospital Radio Marks 25 Years Of Bringing Comfort To Patients
Causeway Hospital Radio has marked its 25th anniversary of providing music, comfort and companionship to patients, with volunteers past and present gathering to celebrate the milestone.
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.
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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.