O’Dowd hails success of local pupils at Science and Technology Event

Education Minister John O’Dowd has congratulated local students who have been successful in the final of the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in Dublin.

Kyle Clarke and Conan Mulraine, students from South East Regional College, Bangor Campus, lifted the award for best entry from the north of Ireland with their project ‘Renewable production of ethanol bio fuel’.

Pupils from St Mary’s College, Derry; Ballyclare High School; St Mary’s, Limavady; Wellington College, Belfast; Portora Royal School, Enniskillen; St Fanchea’s College, Fermanagh; St Mary’s Grammar, Magherafelt; and Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School, Newry, also picked up awards on the night.

The overall BT Young Scientist trophy, designed by Jowita Rogalska, a student from the Southern Regional College in Lurgan, was picked up by Paul Clarke of St Paul’s College, Dublin.

Congratulating the prize winners, Mr O’Dowd said:  “All students who made it to the finals should be proud of their achievements.  For those who have made it this far, this week’s exhibition is the culmination of many months of hard work at home and in school.

“I was impressed with the standard of entries and enjoyed meeting and chatting with pupils from local schools.  The enthusiasm they showed in their work was evident and is an encouraging sign as we seek to attract more young people to study STEM subjects.

“The pupils who made it here today are being recognised for their hard work; however I would also like to pay tribute to the school staff who have supported them over recent months.  These individuals have spent time to help and encourage their pupils and to instil a passion for learning which will stand them in good stead as they continue their studies.

“As it reaches its milestone of 50 years, the BT Young Scientist Event goes from strength to strength, helping encourage and challenge the innovators of tomorrow.  This is an important event that I hope will continue to grow in the coming years.”

Robinson and McGuinness express sympathy at death of Nelson Mandela

First Minister Rt. Hon Peter D Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA have expressed their profound sadness at the death of Nelson Mandela.

The First Minister said: "It is with deep sorrow that I heard of the death of Nelson Mandela and I offer my condolences to his entire family circle at this time. We have known for some time that he was ill, nonetheless, it still comes as a great shock to lose such an inspirational man and a massive figure in terms of world politics.

"I met Nelson Mandela on two occasions and was struck by his considerable humility and charisma. He did not see himself in terms of celebrity yet barely anyone throughout the world would not recognise his name and that is no small part because of his unique ability to connect personally with people.

"Nelson Mandela carried out his role with a real talent to draw people and whole communities together. South Africa and the rest of the world had a tremendous respect for him.

"When I asked how he dealt with opposition and the business of negotiation he commented that real negotiation is not with political opponents, rather with your own community and while they may feel you are stepping ahead of them, it is important to convince them to make the journey - a message so pertinent to our own peace process.”

The deputy First Minister said: "I offer my heartfelt sympathies to his family at this difficult time. I was honoured to meet Nelson Mandela the last time he was in Dublin and there is no doubt he was truly one of the greatest leaders of our lifetime.

"Through his humility, strong negotiation skills and desire for justice he earned respect as an ambassador for peace, human rights and democracy across the globe. It was appropriate in 1993 this was recognised when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, which he shared with former South African President FW De Klerk.

"He will be remembered for demonstrating what is possible when people are committed to peace and reconciliation in areas of conflict. Nelson Mandela has left an indelible mark not only in South Africa but across the world. In 1997, at a critical stage of our peace process, I was honoured to lead, at the invitation of President Mandela, a delegation to South Africa for significant discussion with South African peace negotiators, which also included all parties from the North.

"President Mandela’s interest in the success of the peace process was epitomised by the valuable contributions made by amongst others Cyril Ramaphosa, his Chief negotiator and the now Deputy President of African National Congress, who was a constant source of support to us throughout. Nelson Mandela was a true friend to Ireland.”

Finance Minister sets out to reassure Civil Service Pensions staff of no redundancies

Finance Minister Simon Hamilton MLA has set out to reassure staff working in Civil Service Pensions Branch in Londonderry that no one will be made redundant as plans progress to replace the pension administration and payment systems.

The Minister was speaking during an Adjournment Debate in the Assembly this evening on public sector jobs in the North West.

Simon Hamilton said: “I am acutely aware that staff in Civil Service Pensions Branch in Waterside House, Londonderry are concerned about job security in light of the plan to replace the pension administration and payment systems. Not least because their fears have been whipped up by ill-informed public comment.

“The Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme in Northern Ireland is the main pension scheme for all Northern Ireland civil servants and a number of other bodies. As of March 2013, there were 34,000 active members, 27,000 pensioner members and 8,500 deferred members of this scheme.”

Setting the context for the need of a replacement IT system the Minister continued:“The contracts in respect of the two current computer systems used to perform member administration and pensioner payroll functions are coming to an end and therefore must be replaced.

“The main options to be considered include both a system solution to be operated by civil servants or a managed service, i.e. an outsourced solution. No decision on the preferred option has yet been made. The Business Case is still being developed and has a number of Departmental approval stages to complete. My officials have consulted and will continue to consult with Trade Union Side and will keep staff up to date with developments as the project progresses.

“Civil Service Pensions Branch will continue to exist and be staffed by civil servants as there are a number of other key functions to delivery such as scheme management, policy and legislation and finance. However, whichever option is approved, there will be a reduction in staff required. Any surplus staff will be managed in line with documented NICS procedures, including natural wastage and redeployment. Let me reiterate no one will be made redundant contrary to the public statements to this effect attributed to NIPSA.”

Commenting on public service pension reform the Minister added: “Pension reform has an impact on the need for a new solution to be found. It is not the main driver for change, but in order to implement the new pension scheme for civil servants from 1 April 2015the new solution must be in place by that date.

“HM Treasury have made clear that we need to press ahead with the reforms of public service pensions. Failure to do this for the main schemes is estimated at over £300m for each year’s delay.”

Concluding Simon Hamilton said: “I want to recognise the work that the staff in Civil Service Pensions Branch do. I regret that some have sought to prey on their fears for their own ends. Screaming publicly that 80 jobs will be lost when nothing could be further from the truth does those staff no service whatsoever.”

O’Dowd condemns attempted bomb attack at special needs school

Education Minister John O’Dowd has condemned the attempted bomb attack at Ceara Special School in Lurgan today.

The Education Minister said: "I, along with the rest of the community, am disgusted by the actions of those who planted a bomb at Ceara Special School in Lurgan this morning. This attack was against the most vulnerable in our society and is a clear indication of the contempt that those responsible hold for the entire community.

“There is no more stark contrast when you look at the action of the bombers and the actions of those who work in Ceara School day after day caring and loving for their pupils. Ceara School, its staff, pupils and parents represent everything we can be proud of in our community. Those behind this attack are the direct opposite of everything Ceara school stands for.

“I urge anyone with any information about this attack to contact the PSNI.”