Archive for October 5th, 2007
Rev Dr Robert Coulter, the Ulster Unionist Party Assembly member for North Antrim and UUP Stormont Commissioner, has warned of the dangers about internet chat rooms being used by young people with suicidal tendancies.
Dr Coulter said that in his work as a clergyman, he had had “to pastor and counsel those who have suffered trauma in the aftermath of a suicide in the family”.
The MLA, who is also UUP Health Spokersman, added: “I was amazed to learn recently of a chat room that actually promotes suicides. I was horrified when I read that someone who was suicidal said in the chat room that they were going to commit suicide.
“They were actively encouraged to take their own life, which they did. That suicide was photographed as it happened, so that others could take delight in seeing a life being taken.
“It is incumbent on all of us regardless of religion, political beliefs, backgrounds and aspirations to take this problem of suicides to heart, especially among young people.
“It is a great loss to society when young people who have spent years in primary school, high school or grammar school and then, perhaps, further education, suddenly take their lives. Their future is lost not only to them and to their families, but to society.
“Similarly, what is the cost when someone’s life is suddenly cut off after they have been trained to commit their talents to society?
“And it’s not only politicians and health professionals who must contribute to finding a workable blueprint to combat suicides in society. We must have active involvment from the churches, mental health charities, teachers and anyone involved with young people.
“In North Antrim, a young boy was bullied at school and took his own life. The impact of that on the family and on the community was disastrous. The family have never gotten over it and they never will.
“If only teachers had been aware of the bullying, perhaps that young talent could have been saved,” said Assemblyman Dr Coulter.
Continue Reading E-mail October 5th, 2007
Rev. Dr. Robert Coulter MLA
Mr Robin Swann, the Ulster Unionist Party’s Spokesman on Social Economy, Energy and Consumer Affairs, has slammed the forthcoming 3.9 per cent hike in electricity prices as “indefensible”.
And Mr Swann, who is also a senior member of North Antrim Association Management Committee, warned the rises to be implement from 1st November were “going to hit the most vulnerable in society, especially at this time of the year”.
He added: “Even the 3.9 per cent rise is a dramatic enough increase, but the 14 per cent rise on Economy 7 is totally inexcusable as this will hit those most at risk in the community, or already suffering from fuel poverty.
“To this extent, I would call on the relevant Stormont department to reopen the application period when people can apply for the Winter Fuel Payment Scheme to enable those who missed last month’s deadline to have a further application opportunity.
“It has been highlighted by Northern Ireland Electricity that these increases will make the cost of heating homes by electricity comparative to heating them by oil or gas. But many people living in social housing do not have the pleasure of such a choice as an alternative home heating option.
“This price hike will again make the Government target of eradicating fuel poverty by 2010 one step further away, as well as placing the most vulnerable in our society under even more threat.
“A further concern I have is that to ensure that this price rise is necessary and not just a commercial decision by NIE to prepare for the opening of the Single Energy Market on the geographical island of Ireland.
“However, it was originally envisaged that the creation of this Single Energy Market would make the market more competitive – not increase the costs for consumers in Northern Ireland.
“I would encourage everyone to avail of the support measures from the Energy Saving Trust to ensure their homes and businesses are as energy efficient as possible.
“As this November’s price increase is being atrributed to the world price of oil and gas, it further demonstrates our need to develop the altnerative energy market in Northern Ireland,” said Mr Swann.
Continue Reading E-mail October 5th, 2007
Robin Swann
Sam Gardiner MLA, Ulster Unionist Assemblyman for Upper Bann, today called for a new look at the grading of medical secretaries in Northern Ireland.
“I am concerned that, after three years medical secretaries across Northern Ireland have been told that they have been banded across the board as band 3 entry grade medical secretaries. Considering that some of the people have been in post for 30 years, I have to ask the question – what exactly does it take to be raised to the standard band 4 medical secretary grade ?”
“It would appear that the Northern Ireland health trusts have gone out on their own in this instead of waiting for other parts of the country involved in the agenda for change programme. This sends out a terrible message to staff of just how the Trusts view them and value them.”
“I am also led to believe that information on this decision under the freedom of information legislation has been blocked. This is a completely unacceptable way for the trusts as employers to behave.”
“I will be raising the matter with Health Minister Michael McGimpsey, who I know values the work of health professionals to see if anything can be done.”
Continue Reading E-mail October 5th, 2007
Sam Gardiner MLA
