NI News In Brief

Move To 'Oust' Ruane

Responsibility for the future of post-primary could be taken from the hands of NI Education Minister, Caitriona Ruane. Earlier this week a motion to that effect was tabled at Stormont and if successful, the move would instead see an education sub-committee of ministers established to tackle the issue collectively. The Ulster Unionist Party has tabled the radical plan in response to recent public concern surrounding the future of post-primary transfer and a growing lack of confidence in the minister. UUP Education Committee member and MLA Ken Robinson described Ms Ruane's attitude to the need for a replacement of the 11-plus transfer system as "disturbing". "Speaking as a former head teacher I believe the current uncertainty cannot be permitted to continue," he said.

Migrant Survey Reports

A new report shows that Eastern Europeans make up 1% of the working population of Northern Ireland. The findings by the Institute for Public Policy Research show the highest percentage registered to work is in Dungannon while the lowest figure is in Larne. The figures, however, do not account for those who are working but may not be registered. The report, which spans from 2004 to 2007, also indicates that Poles are now the largest foreign national group in the UK.Other nationalities considered in the report include Bulgarians, Romanians, Hungarians, Lithuanians, Slovakians, Slovenians, Latvians, Estonians and Czechs.

IFEX Opened

Just days in advance of the prestigious Royal Ulster Agricultural Show at Balmoral, the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle Gildernew was the special guest who officially opened a top trade food show at the same location. The International Food, Drink, Hospitality and Retail Exhibition (IFEX) is hosting a comprehensive range of local and international products and services from across the food industry. The Minister said: "IFEX provides a great opportunity for local food producers to prove that they have what it takes both in terms of variety and quality. It also puts producers face-to-face with the hospitality sector, affording the opportunity to find out what their needs are."

(BMcC)