Community pharmacy reaches milestone of over 820,000 Lateral Flow Testing Kits distributed throughout Northern Ireland

Community Pharmacist, Lesa McLoughlin

It is estimated that the sector has supplied as many as 5.7 million individual tests in total

Northern Ireland’s community pharmacies have this week reached the important milestone of supplying over 820,000 lateral flow testing kits. Coming in kits of seven, it is estimated that a total of 5.7 million tests have been distributed via the sector.

Community Pharmacy NI has welcomed the figures, highlighting that having the kits available from an accessible location has been essential to breaking the chain of transmission within our communities.

Lateral flow tests can be collected from 580 locations across Northern Ireland, including 500 community pharmacies.

Peter Rice, Chair of Community Pharmacy NI said:

“Reaching this significant milestone is a testament to the entire community pharmacy network who have worked tirelessly to distribute lateral flow tests to patients. Facing increased demands from patients as well as workforce pressures associated with the transmission of the Omicron variant, our community pharmacy teams have remained steadfast in their efforts to distribute Lateral Flow Tests among communities. It has been a huge logistical undertaking to get to this point and community pharmacy has played an integral part.

“Over the festive period, as transmission of the Omicron variant rose sharply and demand for Lateral Flow Tests increased as a consequence, in many instances community pharmacy was the only collection point available to members of the public. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown community pharmacy’s value as a key component in our health system, ensuring accessible healthcare and solidifying the link between pharmacies and their communities. I would encourage the Department of Health to consider this milestone when planning for healthcare transformation. Access to local, community-facing primary care is vital and I hope we can consolidate on this.”

Lesa McLoughlin, community pharmacist at Dundela Pharmacy, Belfast said:

“Working in a community pharmacy throughout the pandemic, I have seen first-hand the role my colleagues have been playing each day to support patients. We have continually stepped beyond our everyday role to take on additional services to support those living in the community. The rollout of Lateral Flow testing kits is an essential part of this as patients have come to rely on community pharmacy as part of their test, trace, and isolate routine.”

You can collect a free lateral flow testing kit from community pharmacies: https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/

NI Executive instability will severely impact the most vulnerable, warns charity sector

Anne-Marie McClure, Chair, CO3

Northern Ireland’s charity and voluntary sector has warned the political instability caused by the First Minister’s resignation will have serious consequences for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

CO3, the organisation which represents charity and voluntary sector leaders in Northern Ireland, is calling on political leaders and parties to commit to working together and supporting our government officials to protect the most vulnerable from any fallout of last week’s resignation, and ensure key legislation like the three-year Budget can progress without delay.

There are serious concerns about other outstanding legislation currently progressing through the Assembly, like bills on autism, domestic abuse, climate change, and other important subjects.

Several charities are also anxious over the future of the European Structural Fund (ESF) programme. The Executive match funding, which is yet to be agreed by the Department for the Economy, is due to run out in March 2022 while ESF funding is to end completely in March 2023.

Anne Marie McClure, Chair, CO3 said:

“At a time when the cost of living and rates of poverty within our communities are rising exponentially, it is extremely disappointing this political impasse has occurred and effectively stymied the work of the Executive. Charities and voluntary organisations across Northern Ireland are now rightly very concerned about the future and sustainability of the local political institutions and what this means for the work they do and people they support.

“Political instability and horse-trading like this does nothing to help the most vulnerable in our society. It’s now crucial that outstanding legislation at the Assembly is given every chance to pass and become law, bills dealing with domestic abuse, climate change, stalking, welfare payments. These are laws which will improve the experiences of some of the most vulnerable and marginalised in our communities. 

“We are calling on our political leaders and all political parties here to commit to working together for the good of everyone in Northern Ireland. Ahead of the election, it’s important that our leaders also commit to forming an Executive after the election, regardless of the result or outcome. This Assembly term was also cut short by three years, meaning missed opportunities to pass vital pieces of legislation. Coming out of the pandemic, it’s unthinkable that any new Assembly term would be cut short again. We are calling on all parties and all leaders to work in collaboration to ensure this does not become a reality.”

Jacinta Linden, Vice-Chair, CO3 added:

“Over the past number of days, we have engaged with members across Northern Ireland and across a number of different sectors. One key message has shone through from feedback from our members – charity and voluntary leaders are frustrated, disappointed, and worried at the lack of political stability in Northern Ireland yet again. With the cost of everything from fuel and food to rent and childcare on the rise, households are feeling the squeeze and the services of charities and voluntary groups are more in demand than ever before.”

'Tough measures to fight white collar crime needed urgently' by Matthew Howse, Partner - Dispute Resolution and Litigation, Eversheds Sutherland

As originally appeared in the Irish News, 8 February

Matthew Howse, Partner - Dispute Resolution and Litigation, Eversheds Sutherland

The dramatic resignation of Lord Theodore Agnew in the House of Lords towards the end of January has thrown a renewed focus on corruption, financial and economic crime, and fraud. Lord Agnew, a Conservative Minister in the Treasury and Cabinet Office with responsibility for ‘counter-fraud’ and cross-government efficiency, left the government due to its decision to write off over £4.3bn in fraudulent Covid loans. 

While the controversy around these pandemic support schemes, and ensuring that much-needed cash reached businesses as soon as possible during the pandemic (often prioritised at the expense of due diligence) was the touchstone for Lord Agnew’s resignation, it has shone a light on fraud, corruption, and economic crime more generally.

The government’s decision to scrap (or at least delay) the so-called Economic Crime Bill was also cited by Lord Agnew in his resignation letter to the Prime Minister, calling the decision “foolish”. Pressure is now growing on the government to commit to reintroducing this legislation which will properly tackle economic crime. The bill was expected to bring forward measures to improve oversight of the UK’s business register, Companies House, and finally bring in a public register of beneficial ownership of property – revealing the individuals behind offshore companies used to hold valuable UK homes and land. 

An Economic Crime Bill would, according to transparency and anti-corruption campaigners, help address the UK’s – and in particular, London’s – role as a “global hub for dirty money”. It’s clear that white collar crime across the UK and Ireland is on the rise, including in Northern Ireland. This legislation would be vital in tackling economic and financial crimes like fraud, corruption, bribery, and money laundering, and would in turn strengthen our economy and increase trust in our economic institutions and systems.

While exact data is scarce for Northern Ireland, a problem in itself, PwC’s most recent Economic Crime Survey found that over half of Irish businesses have experienced economic crime in the last 24 months, while 13% of respondents said they had lost over €5m to fraud in the same period. Perhaps most worryingly, however, a fifth of businesses said they didn’t know how much they had lost to economic crime.

It is positive that the Law Commission, which reviews legislation and recommends reforms where needed, has confirmed it is pressing on with its proposals to reform the UK’s criminal liability laws, expected to be published this spring. If white collar crime is to be treated as the serious crime that it is, then a strong legislative framework is necessary to tackle it.

International scandals like the recent conviction of Theranos’ Elizabeth Holmes, who defrauded investors out of millions of dollars, have thrust white collar crime into the public consciousness again. Corporate greed, bribery, and fraud – which have traditionally been described as victimless crimes – can have a huge impact on our economy and our local businesses. A comprehensive Economic Crime Bill would go a long way to addressing these issues and giving authorities the tools to properly punish the worst offenders.

Year Nine girls battle it out in NI final of UK cybersecurity competition

Northern Ireland winners of the UK CyberFirst Girls Competition, St. Catherine’s College, Armagh

St. Catherine’s College, Armagh crowned the winners in Northern Ireland competition supported by Allstate NI                                                                                                                                          

Girls aged 12-13 have battled it out in the Northern Ireland final of the UK CyberFirst Girls Competition, the UK’s flagship cybersecurity competition for schools.

Now in its sixth year, the CyberFirst Girls Competition, supported by Allstate NI, introduces students to cybersecurity and helps them understand what a career in the field might look like.

Established by the National Cyber Security Centre, which is a part of GCHQ, ten teams of Year Nine girls from schools across the region took part in the Northern Ireland final at the Titanic Hotel, Belfast on Saturday.

As the official sponsor and one of Northern Ireland’s largest employers in the field, Allstate NI hopes the competition will address the continued underrepresentation of women in the local cybersecurity workforce. Northern Ireland is the top international investment location for US cybersecurity firms and a renowned location for research and innovation in cybersecurity.

After a challenging online qualifying round, the 10 top scoring teams competed in a series of puzzles covering topics from cryptography to AI to logic. Regardless of their ability, the competition was an opportunity to learn why cybersecurity matters, where it could take them in future, and that they already possess many of the attributes needed for a successful career in the field.

Year Nine pupils from Strathearn School, Belfast compete in the Northern Ireland final of the UK CyberFirst Girls Competition

Several individual and team prizes were awarded. A grand prize giving and celebration day for all finalists, including the overall winners St. Catherine’s College, Armagh, will be held later in the year.

Keith Lippert, Vice President and Deputy Chief Information Security Officer at Allstate NI, said:

“The CyberFirst Girls Competition is a fantastic initiative that fits with our commitments at Allstate NI to address gender diversity and inspire the incoming generation of cyber technologists. We are in an incredibly exciting time for the cybersecurity industry in Northern Ireland, and it is vital that we encourage more females to enter the sector and launch their careers at the cutting edge of this industry.”

Catherine McHugh, Principal of St. Patrick’s College Dungannon, an Allstate NI Silver CyberFirst school, commented:

“Initiatives like the CyberFirst Girls Competition are important not only in today’s recruitment climate, but in the face of growing cyber threats and the heightened exposure of our young people online. Our girls have enjoyed every second of this opportunity to compete and were all intrigued and engaged by the challenges and puzzles. We would like to thank Allstate NI for hosting this event and educating our pupils about the incredible opportunities that cybersecurity presents for their futures.”

Lindy Cameron, National Cyber Security Centre CEO, said:

“Congratulations to all the girls who took part in this year’s final of the CyberFirst Girls Competition in Northern Ireland – and a special well done to St. Catherine’s College Armagh for their success. The UK’s growing cybersecurity industry needs more female representation so it’s great to see thousands of girls nationwide taking part in the contest, many for the first time. I thank Allstate NI and teachers for their work helping us uncover new cyber talent and I hope for many of the girls this will be just the start of their interest in this area.”

Proposed cuts to Justice Department will have a catastrophic impact on most vulnerable

(L - R) David Mulholland, Chief Executive of the Bar of Northern Ireland and David Lavery CB, Chief Executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland

The legal profession in Northern Ireland have warned that proposed cuts to the Justice Budget contained within the Executive Budget will undermine Access to Justice.

The Bar of Northern Ireland and The Law Society of Northern Ireland have jointly expressed their deep concerns and opposition to proposed financial cuts which will have a catastrophic impact on the most vulnerable within the community.

Representatives from the Bar and the Law Society have been meeting with Assembly Members to raise practitioners’ concerns over the proposed cuts that come at a time when the Justice system is already facing a huge backlog of cases and unacceptable delay.

Both the Bar and the Law Society argue that the proposed cuts contained in the Executive’s Draft Budget will have a detrimental impact on the local economy, forcing many solicitors and barristers to cease practice or restrict their services.

This is in stark contrast to the plans of other neighboring jurisdictions, particularly England and Wales, who have invested in both Justice and Heath System.

The Chief Executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, David Lavery CB said:

“Lawyers are all too aware of the significant strains under which the Justice system is now operating and the real impact that these proposals will have on their clients, the community and their ability to access justice in Northern Ireland.”

“Under these proposals, the most vulnerable in our society will be denied access to justice and there will be a significant economic impact as many practices across Northern Ireland will be forced to cease offering publicly-funded services or be put out of business entirely. “

“The Executive must reconsider its budget proposals if they are to maintain the network of local lawyers and the invaluable services they provide to their communities and those in need across Northern Ireland.”

David Mulholland, Chief Executive of the Bar of Northern Ireland said:

“In highlighting these issues, the Bar and Law Society are speaking up for the many individuals and families within our communities who rely upon us and Legal Aid to help them when they are at their most vulnerable.”

“The Department have acknowledged that this budget will force barristers and solicitors out of business and will deprive our clients, often facing complex legal issues regarding families and children, of the help and assistance that they need and deserve.”

“This will cause untold and irreversible individual, societal and economic harm.”

“The proposed budget is wholly unsustainable. It ignores the reality that, like the Health Service, Legal Aid is demand led and has a serious backlog of cases that must be dealt with.”

“We urgently need longer term solution and strategic thinking from the Executive and the Justice Minister to solve this issue.”

Apprenticeships are key to tackling skills shortage say Northern Ireland's Further Education leaders

To mark the third annual Apprenticeship week, Northern Ireland’s six Further Education Colleges are highlighting the importance of apprenticeships to address the skills shortage.

In a week-long celebration, in partnership with the Department for the Economy, Colleges throughout Northern Ireland will be highlighting how apprenticeships are the first step to gaining vital knowledge and skills that are needed to further advance economic and skills development.

Apprenticeships exist in an increasing range of professional and service sectors that are calling out for more highly skilled individuals to contribute to their economic growth and recovery. Examples of these include apprenticeships in Hospitality, Fintech, Engineering, Applied Sciences, Cyber Security and Marketing.

Apprenticeships are a valuable manner of investing in the people of Northern Ireland. Over 40,000 people have undertaken an apprenticeship which has led to full time employment.

As people have begun to return to the office and seek new employment, the Further Education Colleges are urging learners to contact them to find out about the hundreds of apprenticeship opportunities in their region.

Ken Webb, Chair of the Further Education Principal’s Group said:

“This Week gives us a prime opportunity to reflect on the importance of apprenticeships and the skills they provide to tackle the skills deficit in Northern Ireland”

“Apprenticeships can play an important part in tackling this deficit by providing people with a learning structure and valuable work experience that provides qualifications and holistic skills that are needed for economic growth.”

“As the skills deficit in Northern Ireland becomes clearer the value of apprenticeships cannot be underestimated. With close links to over 9,000 employers, Further Education colleges stand ready to create more industry aligned apprenticeships to ensure our local communities have the skills necessary to gain employment in our localities.”

“On Apprenticeship Week, all six colleges encourage any individual looking to re-skill to consider an apprenticeship. It is an open door to a promising career.”

Sebastian McFarland, Level 3 Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice at Northern Regional College said:

“If anyone is thinking of changing career or wanting to re-skill, I would thoroughly recommend an apprenticeship. You get paid to learn so you don’t end up with student loans that need repaid. Plus, the balance between practical experience with your employer and the time you spend in college helps make everything relevant.”

Lost Treasures of Revolution: The Graphics of Solidarity 1980-89 on display at Ulster University

‘Elections ’89’, Solidarity election poster by E. Baluk-Zaborowska Poland, 1989. Image © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Ulster University and the Polish Cultural Institute in London are hosting a unique “Lost Treasures of Revolution” exhibition at the Ulster University’s Belfast campus until 12 March.

The exhibition showcases 26 posters from one of the biggest social movements of the 20th century, Solidarity. As the leading political force opposing communism in Poland during the 1980s, the movement paved the way for the peaceful transition to democracy in 1989. This collection explores the role that graphics played in building the campaign and sustaining it during the difficult days of government repression and martial law.

From its iconic logo to spontaneous poster designs, Solidarity’s printed graphics created a rich visual culture of resistance that spoke to people from all walks of society. This Victoria and Albert Museum collection also features rarely seen underground stamps that bear witness to the grassroots creative spirit of the movement highlighting the role of graphic design to foster participation and political dialogue.

Marta de Zuniga, Director of the Polish Cultural Institute, said:

“We are thrilled to be able to present the highlights of the Victoria and Albert poster collection as well as other graphics of Solidarity to the audience of Belfast in Northern Ireland, which are the legacy of Solidarity, one of the biggest peaceful social movements in the 20th century.”

Catherine Flood, the exhibition curator, said:

“As well as famous poster designs, we are delighted to be showing a collection of underground postage stamps and graphic ephemera that provide vivid evidence of Solidarity’s multi-dimensional appeal in the 1980s. Most of these items were produced at a grassroots community level on small underground presses by designers and ordinary citizens working with few resources to create a new democratic beginning. As issues of social inequality and alienation are thrown into sharp relief by the pandemic, it is timely to reflect on the means by which social movements can bring people together through collective action.”

Cian Smyth, Ulster Presents Manager, Ulster University, said:

“Ulster University’s Belfast School of Art and Design has a long history of producing some of Northern Ireland’s best artists and designers. The inspiration of design movements in social and political activism is also one we share deep interest in from our own experience of political conflict in the 20th Century. It is with great interest and curiosity that we present this exhibition for the benefit of our students, researchers and the public alike. It has already generated a lot of advance interest and we look forward to sharing it over the coming months.”

The exhibition has been organised by Ulster University’s Ulster Presents programme and the Polish Cultural Institute in London in partnership with the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building.

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead Week Commencing 7 February 2022

Forward Look                                

  • The DUP’s Paul Givan MLA has resigned as First Minister of Northern Ireland, effective from midnight last night. Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA has automatically been removed from her post.

  • Under the Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Bill, the NI Assembly will remain in shadow form and legislation currently passing through the chamber can continue.

  • Assembly Speaker Alex Maskey MLA has asked for arrangements to be made to schedule an Assembly sitting before Thursday to provide an opportunity for the posts of First and deputy First Minister to be filled.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA is seeking legal clarification regarding decisions on Covid regulations. The Executive was planned to meet on Thursday to discuss the remaining restrictions.

  • Ian Jeffers has been appointed as the new Commissioner for Victims and Survivors (CVS) on a four-year term.

  • Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has confirmed the Treasury’s plans for a Spring Statement on 23 March 2022 to provide an updated economic and fiscal forecast.

  • Northern Ireland is to receive £49 million for community renewal, £617 million as part of City and Growth Deals, and £70 million for new British Business Bank investments through the UK Government’s Levelling Up Plan announced this week.

  • The British Government is to introduce a new ‘Brexit Freedoms Bill’ in the coming weeks to amend and remove EU law more easily.

  • Belfast Live is reporting that the DUP has deselected East Belfast MLA, Robin Newton to be replaced by Councillor David Brooks. It is expected that Paul Bell will run in Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Councillor Brian Kingston will run in North Belfast, and Councillor Alan Robinson will run in East Londonderry. Ex-DUP MLA Alex Easton will run in North Down as an Independent.

  • Department of Finance officials are liaising with the Cabinet Office regarding a ‘Procurement Reform Bill’ to bring greater transparency to Northern Ireland’s procurement process.

  • The Assembly has voted in favour of supporting a 2050 net zero emissions target for Northern Ireland. Consideration Stage for the Climate Change (No. 2) Bill will continue on Monday.

  • The Second Stage of Sinn Féin’s Onshore Fracking (Prohibition) Bill will take place on Tuesday.

  • Question Time will take place for the Justice Minister on Monday. The DAERA Minister will face questions on Tuesday.

  • On Wednesday, Hospitality Ulster and Retail NI will give evidence to the Economy Committee on the Employment (Zero Hours Workers and Banded Weekly Working Hours) Bill. The Finance Committee will consider the 2021-25 Budget.

  • The NI Affairs Select Committee will receive oral evidence from NIO Minister of State Conor Burns MP on progress since the New Decade, New Approach agreement.

Other Stories this week

  • Prime Minister Boris Johnson MP has pledged to reform internal structures at Number 10 following the publication of an update from Sue Gray into lockdown gatherings.

  • On Wednesday, AERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA ordered a halt to checks on goods entering Northern Ireland from GB as part of the DUP’s opposition to the NI Protocol. Checks will continue until at least Monday while the legal position is reviewed.

  • An NI Audit Office report has found that lengthy delays inherent within NI’s planning system are significantly hampering development opportunities.

  • The Prime Minister’s Head of Policy, Munira Mirza, the Downing Street Director of Communications, Jack Doyle, the Prime Minister’s Principal Private Secretary, Martin Reynolds, and Chief of Staff, Dan Rosenfield have resigned.

  • The first results of Northern Ireland’s Census will be published by June.

  • Dr Katy Radford MBE has been appointed as Chair of the British Council’s Northern Ireland Advisory Committee.

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 11 February, Succeed North West, Fir Trees Hotel, Strabane, Londonderry Chamber

  • 20 February, SDLP Conference, Seamus Heaney Homeplace, Bellaghy

  • 23 February, In Camera with the Department for Infrastructure

  • 23 February, CO3 Leadership Breakfast

  • 25 February, Women in Tech Conference, Titanic Belfast

  • 26 February, DUP Conference, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast

  • 3 March, Londonderry Chamber President’s Annual Lunch, City Hotel, Derry

  • 9 March, Post-Brexit Conference: Sustaining and Building Cross-Border Cooperation and Trade, Newry and Dundalk Chamber

  • 10 March, Women in Business awards

  • 14 -15 March, InterTradeIreland Venture Capital Conference

  • 15 – 18 March, MIPIM, Cannes

  • 24 March, Belfast Chamber’s BelFastForward Conference

Consultations

Londonderry Chamber criticises resignation of First Minister

Aidan O’Kane, President, Londonderry Chamber

Reacting to the resignation of Paul Givan MLA as First Minister of Northern Ireland, Londonderry Chamber President Aidan O’Kane said:

“Political instability like this does nothing for anybody in Northern Ireland. We had an absent Assembly for three years recently and it served no positive purpose for anyone in our communities. It does nothing for our hospital waiting lists, currently the worst in the entirety of the UK; it does nothing for families struggling with the exponential rise in the cost of living; it does nothing to tackle the ongoing pandemic; and it does nothing to support our businesses as they look to rebuild and recover.

“Northern Ireland deserves a better politics, one which isn’t characterised by lurching from one crisis to another on a regular basis. This place will only thrive when our political leaders commit to grown up politics, based on mutual respect and collaboration. Businesses in the North West need - and demand - certainty and stability. There are a number of outstanding commitments which our region must see completed including the expansion of Magee to 10,000 students, increased and improved rail provision, the financial sustainability of our regional airport, the completion of the A5, and the full roll-out of the City Deal projects – an absent or hamstrung Executive delivers nothing for the North West.

“The Chamber calls on all our political parties to commit to ensuring this certainty which business and society craves, and to work together in a collaborative fashion to overcome any issues.”

Hospitality Ulster reacts to resignation of Paul Givan MLA as First Minister of Northern Ireland

Hospitality Ulster Chief Executive, Colin Neill

Reacting to the resignation of Paul Givan MLA as First Minister, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster, Colin Neill said:

“Political uncertainty and instability will damage business confidence including the hospitality sector which is just coming back from the brink following the last two years of pandemic restrictions, and the three years of an absent Assembly.”

“The impact of this is likely to be felt right across the business community. The hospitality sector has only started to get back on its feet with some remaining restrictions still to be lifted. We also need a focused strategy on the revitalisation of the sector brought forward. Whilst an election was imminent, we are really worried that without Executive approval this all could be in jeopardy and we need to be reassured that this is being dealt with.”

“Hospitality businesses and the dedicated workforce, who have already dealt with the biggest challenge of a generation, now need a stable government working in partnership with the industry to rebuild and look to the future.”