Ryanair Face Criticism On Check In Charges

Budget airline Ryanair is facing criticism over its imposition of a charge equivalent to €5 for check-ins. The airline announced on Wednesday it will be introducing new check in procedures whereby customers will have to carry out the check in procedures themselves online, and will be charged €5 for their trouble. The airline is abolishing airport check-in from October, boarding passes will now have to be printed from the airlines website and presented on arrival. A spokesman said: "This move will allow all passengers, including those travelling with checked baggage, to check-in online, thereby avoiding time-wasting queues and delays at airport check-in desks." The new charge would add €50 to the cost of a family holiday for five people, as it is applies €5 per person for each flight there and back.

Economy Drives Smokers To Quit

The Ulster Cancer Foundation and the charity No Smoking Day have released new research that shows more than one in three smokers are thinking about quitting as a direct result of the economic downturn. The poll also shows that one in ten will be taking the first step and making a quit attempt on No Smoking Day, 11th March. Women are more likely to cut down or think about giving up (40% compared to 32% of male smokers). Almost three-quarters of smokers would like to quit and No Smoking Day is encouraging them to take the first step today by seeking advice from their local stop smoking service, GP or pharmacist.

Antrim Hospital Accolade

The NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has paid tribute to the healthcare workers who treated the men injured in the recent terrorist attacks. Speaking after a visit to Antrim Area Hospital, the Minister said: "My sympathy and thoughts are with the victims and their families. The dedicated staff at both Antrim and Craigavon Area Hospitals who tended to the victims of these cowardly attacks deserve our highest praise. It is clear that the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service personnel who responded to these incidents acted in an exemplary manner. Within minutes ambulances and rapid response vehicles arrived at both scenes to treat the injured. Across the Health Service everyone pulled together and responded courageously to a very difficult and distressing situation, and I would like to thank all staff for their professionalism and expertise. Undoubtedly their excellent first aid skills helped save the lives of both their colleagues and civilians," he said.

SF Hits Out At Teacher Attacks

Sinn Féin MLA, Michelle O'Neill, has welcomed yesterday's debate in the Stormont Assembly calling for adequate protection and guidelines for teachers suffering any type of abuse stating that it further highlights the concern and that the department has brought forward mechanisms to deal with this serious issue. "This is an issue that we must take very seriously. Teachers are the frontline in our educational services and should not be subject to any form of abuse while teaching our children. There are mechanisms and guidance that are now in place to assist teachers affected by classroom violence. However, we do welcome this debate as it further highlights the issue at hand and allows us all to stand beside our teaching staff in ensuring their safety," she said.

Students' Chinese Mission Highlighted

NI Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has met undergraduate students who will shortly depart for an Easter study trip to China. The Department for Employment and Learning has provided funding for 15 students to participate in the three week programme. These students will meet up with other 'Study China' students from the rest of the UK where they will spend the three weeks in either Shanghai or Beijing Universities. Sir Reg said: "The programme gives students from Northern Ireland the opportunity to spend time abroad as part of their studies and equipping them with the skills and awareness necessary to live and work effectively in the global economy. Given that China is one of the world's largest and fastest growing economies and a country which will have increasing global importance in the future, this programme gives our students the chance to understand the evolving Chinese business environment."

(BMcC/JM)