Archive for October 18th, 2007
Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott has stated that the withdrawal of DARD computers and staff from the responsibility for movement recording of cattle must take place at a reasonable pace.
Mr Elliott noted “The withdrawal of DARD computers and staff from markets and abattoirs throughout the country is something that needs to be managed in a reasonable way. As the markets take over the responsibility for movement recording of cattle there will need to be new staff trained in how to work the computer systems and organize the recording in an efficient manner. Many farmers up and down the country rely upon receiving the passes needed to move their cattle to and from markets as it is how many make their livelihoods. It should not be underestimated just how important a smooth switch over between DARD and the Markets is.”
Earlier this week a DARD statement noted that the new system “had been successfully trialled in DARD’s market offices for the past number of months.” However, Mr Elliott stated that he is convinced that this is simply not the reality.
“The truth of the matter is that this issue needs more work because as I understand these DARD trials have not been successful and more work is required on the system no matter what the department reports may suggest. It is critical that the change over of responsibility takes place as smoothly as possible or it could result in trade been disrupted at markets across the country and many farmers suffering loss of income.
“As deputy-chair of the DARD committee, I supported the move by the committee to write to the Minister for Agriculture and her department clearly stating our view that more time was needed for the change over and urging her to allow at least a few more months for training new people before the switch becomes permanent. Mature leadership is required to make sure that neither the markets nor the farmers suffer from the switch of responsibility. We are not suggesting that the change does not happen, but are only asking that it is delayed until the proper system is in place.”
Continue Reading E-mail October 18th, 2007
Tom Elliott MLA
Ulster Unionist Party Deputy Leader and Newry & Armagh MLA Danny Kennedy has congratulated Archbishop Sean Brady on the announcement that he is to be made a cardinal.
Mr. Kennedy said, “I offer my congratulations to Archbishop Brady on his appointment as Cardinal. The Archbishop has made important contributions to peace and stability in Northern Ireland, and has also reminded those in political leadership of our obligations to the weakest in our society.
“He joins an impressive list of faith leaders from Northern Ireland whose role and contribution has been recognised beyond our shores. I wish him well in his new role as a cardinal”.
Continue Reading E-mail October 18th, 2007
Danny Kennedy MLA
Ken Robinson MLA, Ulster Unionist Assembly Member for East Antrim, who has campaigned against knife crime for the past five years today welcomed the announcement of tough new anti-knife laws by Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins.
“I am pleased that this measure is going to reach the statute books. When I started to campaign against knife crime, the official attitude was very different. Back then, the authorities were in denial and argued that the problem did not exist as a major concern. Several high profile deaths have occurred since that time which proved they were wrong. Today, our thoughts will be with the families of those victims. We should always remember that this law will be too late for them.”
“Nonetheless, this is a major step forward. I am particularly glad to see that the government is also looking at a licensing scheme in addition to this Act. Doubling the sentence from two to four years for carrying a blade is a wise move. Only severity in sentencing will impact on this problem. I am also pleased that selling a knife to anyone under 18 will be an offence as will be the sale of a crossbow to someone under 18.”
“We should remember that these new anti-knife laws are only a beginning. This is a first step in tackling the underlying problem which is the gang culture. If we are to create order in our society after such a long period of instability, then the gang culture must be next in our sights. It is this culture which often provides the impetus for the use of offensive weapons including knives.”
Continue Reading E-mail October 18th, 2007
Ken Robinson MLA
Northern Ireland Policing Board member Leslie Cree MLA has welcomed the recent anti-crime campaign aimed at stopping smuggling through Ports in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
The message ‘You never know who’s watching you?’ will be highlighted on posters erected at Port buildings on either side of the Irish Sea and leaflets will be handed out to drivers before they travel on ferries.
“HGV drivers will be alerted to the threat that they may be targeted by organised crime gangs whose objective is to carry drugs and counterfeited goods and fuel through the terminals.”
“In 2006 almost 800,000 commercial vehicles used the Ports of Larne and Belfast. The potential for serious crime based on these statistics could not only have serious detrimental effects to our economy but also to our families and children. Illegal drugs are a real problem in our communities and any help that HGV drivers can offer to help eradicate serious ‘port’ crime is to be welcomed. I would urge those with any information about illegal smuggling to contact their local authorities.”
Those involved in the awareness campaign include the PSNI, Crimestoppers, the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency, the Road Haulage Association and the Serious and Organised Crime Agency.
Continue Reading E-mail October 18th, 2007
Leslie Cree MLA
Sam Gardiner MLA, the Ulster Unionist Assemblyman for Upper Bann, spoke today of his delight at the news that Ulster Unionist Health Minister Michael McGimpsey had announced a £15.2 million investment for Craigavon Area Hospital.
“This is the sort of financial injection which makes a real difference, “said Mr Gardiner, “and I am delighted that it was an Ulster Unionist Health Minister who was able to deliver for the people of Craigavon and Upper Bann in general.”
“This money will provide a new Trauma and Orthopaedics unit costing £9.4 million and this will include two new theatres and a total of 33 beds.”
“An additional investment of £5.8 million will provide infrastructure improvements at the hospital.”
“Investment in the Trauma and Orthopaedics unit is part of a strategy which aims to cut waiting times for fractures and orthopaedic services.”
“This is a local Ulster Unionist Health Minister delivering for the people. What is more Michael has said that he will expect to see improvements in waiting times by March 2008, including fractures being treated within 48 hours and people who require orthopaedic surgery being treated as an inpatient or day case within 21 weeks.”
Continue Reading E-mail October 18th, 2007
Sam Gardiner MLA
The European Commission has announced today that it is taking legal action against the United Kingdom for not complying fully with judgements issued by the European Court of Justice in two separate cases.
One of those cases involves the Treatment of urban waste water in seven UK towns, four of which are in Northern Ireland. The European Commission has accused the UK of failing to fully abide by a European Court of Justice January 2007 ruling on the Urban Wastewater Directive.
Portrush, Coleraine, Bangor and Donaghadee have all been highlighted by the European Commission for failing to comply with the Directive.
The European Commission has initiated the first part of formal legal proceedings against the UK Government by sending the UK a first written warning.
Commenting on the Commission’s decision to initiate legal proceedings against the UK Government, Ulster Unionist Member of the European Parliament Jim Nicholson MEP said that the situation was indicative of the problems facing the new Executive at Stormont in the area of waste management.
Speaking from Brussels Mr Nicholson said,
“Clearly today’s decision is not good news for Northern Ireland and I would urge the Executive to move urgently to address the problems highlighted by the European Commission.
“The problems with our sewage system and wastewater infrastructure can be attributed to thirty years of neglect by successive Direct Rule administrations and to the Troubles. Over the years when we should have been investing in upgrading our sewage infrastructure the Government was instead putting money into rebuilding our towns and villages, many of which were blown apart by terrorist violence.
“This situation also serves to highlight why the Northern Ireland Executive should be seeking to obtain further financial assistance from Brussels.”
Continue Reading E-mail October 18th, 2007
Jim Nicholson MEP
Following the last minute deal brokered between management and representatives of the Irish Pilots Union (IALPA) Cllr Mark Cosgrove the UUP spokesperson on Trade and Tourism met with a senior member of the IALTA team, Mr Michael McLaughlin, in Dublin on Tuesday night. Mr McLaughlin confirmed that his fellow members were involved in a series of secret ballots to determine a member mandate for the position recommended by the Pilots Unions negotiators but was “hopeful” of a positive outcome.
Cllr Cosgrove confirmed, “Mr McLaughlin was pleased that common sense prevailed and that a crisis had been averted and pledged his Unions full support for the impending Belfast launch. There was a concern that members of the public in Northern Ireland might be under the wrong impression regarding the commitment of the Aer Lingus Pilots to the success of the Belfast operation but I am very pleased to confirm that Mr McLaughlin and his colleagues are fully behind this business initiative”
This was the first in what both parties hope will be an ongoing partnership recognising the role that increased competition and routes has to play in facilitating the vitally important business and leisure travel sector in Northern Ireland and the part that the Pilots Union have to play in fostering close links with the Northern Ireland political establishment.”
Continue Reading E-mail October 18th, 2007
Cllr Mark Cosgrove
