Other NI News In Brief

Jobs Hit In Education Board Merger

Hundreds of jobs will be lost in the Northern Ireland education sector as a result of the merger of the existing five area boards. The Education Department has set aside £50m to go towards voluntary redundancy packages for the 460 staff expected to lose their jobs in the boards. However, Northern Ireland Education Minister Caitriona Ruane (pictured) is pledging to put the £20m she says will be saved on bureaucracy back into schools. She told the Stormont Assembly the money would cover the cost of building three new primaries and one new post primary school every year.

Boy Held Over Dublin Shooting

A 50-year-old father of one has died from a gunshot wound in Dublin, and Gardaí have arrested a 13-year-old boy in connection with the incident. Gardai at Store Street in Dublin are investigating the fatal shooting, which occurred at Shelmalier Road Bargy Road, East Wall, Dublin at approximately 7.00pm yesterday evening. The male victim received a single gunshot wound to the abdomen from a handgun, and was taken to the Mater Hospital where he later died from his injuries. The scene of the shooting remains sealed off pending a Garda technical examination and investigations are ongoing. It is believed the father was shot after chasing a group from his home.

Eoghan Flies Home

X Factor finalist, Eoghan Quigg, flew into his hometown of Dungiven this morning to sing for his schoolmates and teachers after already winning a place in the final of the high profile TV competition this Saturday. The 16-year-old, who is studying for his GCSEs at St Patrick's College in Dungiven, sobbed when he was told he was through to the final, but has now wiped the tears away and come back home - dropping in by helicopter to Dungiven and then on to Londonderry for a free festive concert before returning to London - to prepare for the big sing-off.

Road Safety On UU Agenda

There has been a call to improve road safety at a Lagan Valley school. Safety on the roads near Annahilt Primary was the key question provoking a wide-ranging debate when the local branch of the Ulster Unionist Party hosted an open meeting last week. Lisburn City Councillors Bill Gardner-Watson and Basil McCrea MLA accepted an invitation to attend and debated the need to provide more off road parking and slow traffic passing the school during term time. They said that poor co-operation between planners, the Road Service, Education Boards and police having left children at risk outside schools such Annahilt and Riverdale, they said. Other issues discussed at this packed event including policing and the total lack of planning for post primary education.

Winter Fuel Focus

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie is today being urged to widen the Government winter fuel payment scheme to include terminally ill cancer patients across Northern Ireland - amid warnings they need urgent help. Leading charity Macmillan Cancer Support said that paying fuel bills is a big cause of stress for many cancer patients. This problem will be particularly acute this winter given a significant rise in the cost of gas, electricity and oil. The charity made the call ahead of an Assembly debate scheduled to be held on the issue today.

ACF Recruits

A Co Antrim Army Cadet Force (ACF) is this week offering young people and parents the chance to visit and see the activities on offer for members. The open event is on Thursday evening (11th) at Earlview Primary School, Glengormley, from 7.00pm. The ACF is a national, voluntary youth organisation, which offers young people the opportunity to participate in challenging and adventurous pursuits and community activities. Its aim is to inspire young people to achieve success in life and to develop in them the qualities of good citizenship. The Detachment Commander said that, in addition to fulfilling the wide range of ACF activities, cadets are encouraged to gain vocational qualifications including the BTEC Diploma in Public Services - equivalent to four GCSEs. 28 cadets from the 1st Battalion achieved the qualification in 2007; a further 30 will be receiving their awards at a ceremony at Stranmillis College this year and over 50 are currently enrolled and on track to graduate in 2009.

(BMcC)