We are supporting Safer Internet Day 2013

Safer Internet Day is celebrating its tenth year of promoting safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially among children and young people.

The #SID2013 message for this year is 'Connect with Respect', which aims to encourage children, young people, parents, teachers and the internet industry to really think about their online rights and responsibilities and how they can help make the internet safe for everyone.

Take the #SID2013 quiz to find out how you 'connect with respect' and then watch short video below.

Online rights and responsibilities

In honour of the tenth anniversary children and young people across the UK have worked in partnership with the UK Safe Internet Centre to develop a charter of "ten online rights and responsibilities". The charter is a result of a survey completed by over 20,000 children and young people.

Children and young people ranging in age from 7 - 11 (Primary School Charter) and 11- 19 years old (Secondary School Charter) voted on what they thought were the most important rights and responsibilities they had when online.




 

Top ten online rights and responsibilities voted for by primary school age children (7-11 year olds)

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I should feel safe
I should not be bullied
I should be able to tell someone if...

Top ten online rights and responsibilities voted for by secondary school age children (11-19 year olds)

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I should feel safe

I should be able to manage who can see the content I post online

I should be educated about staying safe online

For more information on the Top Ten Rights and Responsibilities charters and the full report on the 'Have Your Say' survey please visit the #SID2013 website.

You can join the discussion about safer internet on twitter using #SID2013 or visit SID2013 facebook 

McCausland clarifies position on new tenancy deposit scheme

Housing Minister Nelson McCausland today expressed his disappointment at the criticism levelled at the new Tenancy Deposit Scheme by Social Development Committee member, Michael Copeland. 

The Minister said: "Today I have been pleased to announce that, from April, tenants across Northern Ireland are being given the same protections as those living in England. Tenants will now be sure that they can get their tenancy deposit back if they are entitled to it. 

“These Regulations had the full backing of all MLAs. Assembly approval was given in September 2012. I am surprised at Michael Copeland's remarks today especially since he voted for the scheme in the Assembly less than five months ago. Mr Copeland should know that due process needs to be followed when introducing new laws and my department worked to bring in this legislation very quickly while ensuring that a workable scheme would be delivered at the end of it. 

"Mr Copeland is mistaken in saying my Department failed to communicate with housing providers; there was in fact considerable consultation with stakeholders including landlords. Has he considered whether some of the complaints made by landlords today could be an attempt to protect their vested interests? 

"As Housing Minister I have to deliver the best for all of the people living here. It is beyond me why Mr Copeland wants to make a bad news story out of this. It is shocking that Mr Copeland today criticises a scheme that he had the chance to shape in the Assembly; the same Assembly where he actually welcomed it. 

"What I have announced today is good news for Northern Ireland tenants, and these new procedures will protect both landlords and tenants and improve the image of the private rented sector making it a more viable housing option."

Opening the door for significant job creation and private sector investment at Maze/Long Kesh

A spokesperson for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister said: 

“The Peace building and Conflict Resolution Centre (PbCRC) along with the investment by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society is the first step in opening the door for significant job creation and private sector investment at the Maze/Long Kesh site that has been assessed as 5,000 jobs and £300million investment. It is projected that the PbCRC could support 70 additional jobs and generate approximately £1million per annum from visitor income and employment.

"It is best practice for the Department  to try and project what additional support may be required however it is the Ministers intention that the centre will be fully sustainable when fully operational however this will require initial investment.

"The business case prepared in 2010, anticipated the Centre generating income after its start up period. Significant work is underway to develop the programme and income generating aspects of the Centre.

"The PBCRC's two main income streams will be:

·   local and international organisations paying for the use of facilities to deliver local and international peace-building programmes, and the provision of conferences, and

·  visitor numbers expected at the PBCRC.

"The level of departmental funding for the start up period is fully justified by the contribution the Centre will make and the services it will deliver both locally and internationally. 

"The capital build will be fully funded by EU Peace III funding and possibly with additional Heritage Lottery funding.”

O’Dowd congratulates local winners at BT Young Scientist and TechnologyExhibition

Education Minister John O’Dowd has congratulated local young people who scooped top awards at this year’s BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.

Oakgrove Integrated College, Derry won the University of Ulster Special Award, given to the best project from the north, for their examination of how to develop methods to harvest seeds from crops for replanting by farmers in developing countries. Oakgrove were also awarded the prize sponsored by MATRIX, the NI Science Industry Panel, for the best school from the north of Ireland entering the event.

There was further success for local schools in the some of the specialist and individual categories which saw pupils from Rathmore Grammar School, Belfast and St Mary’s College, Derry receiving awards for their projects.

In addition, Sean Donnelly a teacher at St Louis Grammar School in Kilkeel received a prestigious Educator of Excellence award for his work.

Congratulating the participants, the Minister said: “These young people can be hugely proud of their achievements. The BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition represents the culmination of months of hard work and attendance at the event is reward in itself – but it is also a hotly contested competition across many categories and with 550 projects in the finals, to win any award category is a fantastic achievement.

“I spent an illuminating and inspiring afternoon at the exhibition during which I was greatly impressed by not only the standard of project entries, but also the enthusiasm, energy and diligence of the young people. Such passion is a tribute to the teachers who have invested so much in encouraging and helping the students progress their projects, as well as to the young people themselves who clearly enjoy the whole experience.

“It is this kind of real excitement about STEM subjects that will help the Executive deliver its long term goals of boosting the local economy on the global stage by creating an innovative, knowledge-based workforce.”

The Minister continued: “As well as congratulating all the northern participants I would also like to commend Kinsale Community College, Cork on winning the overall prize for their project on the effects of Diazotroph bacteria on plant germination”

“Once again the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition has proved a great success and I reiterate my congratulations to all who took part and to BT for delivering an excellent event.”

For more information on the event, visit www.btyoungscientist.com