Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead – Ireland Wednesday 22 February 2023

  • The Government has announced a further cost of living package that sees €470m allocated to social protection measures and an extension on the 9% VAT rate on gas and electricity.

  • Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has criticised the Government’s cost of living crisis measures, saying she cannot understand how the Government's cost of living package provides nothing for renters.

  • The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Maroš Šefčovič has said that the finish line is in sight for a Northern Ireland Protocol deal but that does not mean a deal is done.

  • Co-leaders of the Social Democratics Roisin Shortall TD and Catherin Murphy TD are due shortly to make a significant announcement that RTE News understands to be related to leadership of the party.

  • Foreign Affairs Minister and Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD has said he was hopeful of a deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol this week.

  • The Association of Irish Local Government has warned that the Draft Planning and Development Bill 2022 risks diminishing Irish democracy.

  • The CEO of Fáilte Ireland Paul Kelly has said the tourism sector needs to be mindful of value for money as the sector faces the removal of the special VAT rate of 9%.

  • The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities has announced that the moratorium on electricity and gas domestic disconnections will be extended until the end of March for all customers.

  • Executive Board member of the European Central Bank, Isabel Schnabel, has said that investors are risking underestimating the persistence of inflation and the response needed to bring it under control.

  • The Citizens’ Assembly on liberalising drug laws will hold its first meeting in April of this year.

  • The latest Sunday Times/Behaviour and Attitudes Opinion Poll sees support for Fine Gael rise by four points but Sinn Féin remains the most popular party.

  • Today, People Before Profit’s Eviction Ban Bill 2022 has passed its second stage debate and will now proceed to the committee stage.

  • Today, the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill will reach its second stage.

 

Other Stories this week

  • The number of people seeking international protection in Ireland has increased by 186% in the past year.

  • Ireland’s Central Bank governor Gabriel Makhlouf has defended the Ireland’s economic growth against accusations that it is an artificial product of big US companies taking advantage of the country’s low taxes.

  • The CSO has reported the value of cross-border trade increase by 30% in 2022. The data showed a sharp increase across the board in the value of goods both imported and exported by the Republic of Ireland.

  • Female members of the Oireachtas will meet the Cean Comhairle later today to discuss the physical, verbal, and online threats they have received in the course of their work.

  • The Government has established a multi-stakeholder working group to coordinate efforts to combat the spread of misinformation on the internet.  

 

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 23 February Dublin Chamber of Commerce AGM Dinner, Royal Convention Centre, Dublin.

  • 23 February Investment Firms Outlook 2023, The Marker Hotel, Dublin.

  • 24 February Business Post Global Irish Diaspora Awards, the Waldorf Hilton, London.

  • 24 February CIPD Ireland HR Awards, The Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin.

 

Consultations

Eversheds Sutherland appoints Ian McFarland as Employment Partner

Joanne Hyde (Partner and Head of Employment and Labour), Alan Connell (Managing Partner) and Ian McFarland (Employment Partner).

Ireland’s largest and most established, all island, global law firm, Eversheds Sutherland, has appointed Ian McFarland as Employment Partner in its Belfast office.

Ian brings over 12 years’ experience advising and representing clients on all aspects of employment law. He was previously an Employment Partner at Elliott Duffy Garrett and has expertise in issues as varied as industrial and fair employment tribunals, redundancy, employee relations and management issues, disciplinary and grievance processes, discrimination, TUPE, and insolvency.

This latest senior appointment for the firm comes at a time of sustained growth in the Northern Ireland market for Eversheds Sutherland and further cements its position as the largest and most established, full service, global law firm on the island of Ireland. Eversheds Sutherland’s Belfast office, located at Montgomery House in Belfast city centre, is expanding across its full-service offering, including employment, litigation and dispute resolution, commercial law, real estate and property, construction, financial services, and banking.

Speaking upon his appointment, Ian McFarland, Employment Partner, Eversheds Sutherland said:

“I am very pleased to be joining Eversheds Sutherland as a new Employment Partner. The firm, as a locally based practice with global reach and expertise, is extremely well-placed to support local businesses in Northern Ireland in all respects, whether they are seeking to protect their operations, or to expand and grow in new markets.

“The current environment is extremely challenging for employers; strong and trustworthy legal advice is more important than ever as companies seek to navigate these issues. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, employers have faced new and swiftly developing issues, including the rise in home and hybrid working and the difficulty in recruiting and retaining talent. More locally, the ongoing political uncertainty in Northern Ireland continues to impact businesses and legislative reform. As we enter 2023, I am looking forward to working closely with all my colleagues across the wider Eversheds Sutherland network to deliver positive results for our clients and to help Northern Irish businesses adapt, develop, and seize new opportunities notwithstanding the challenging circumstances.”

Alan Connell, Managing Partner, Eversheds Sutherland Ireland, added:

“I am delighted to welcome Ian to Eversheds Sutherland, and to be bolstering our employment offering in Northern Ireland. Ian’s appointment is the latest step in our strategic growth in the Northern Ireland market and another strong addition to our senior leadership team in Belfast. The coming year is likely to be another challenging and uncertain year for businesses, as they continue to grapple with supply chain issues, talent shortages, rising inflation and an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Ian’s employment expertise and skill in the local market will be crucial as we look to provide strong and reliable legal advice to not only meet, but to stay ahead of, our clients’ needs, as they contend with the many headwinds out there.”

Career pathways to be showcased to parents and pupils at employment exhibition

The Your Child: Their Future ‘Pathways to Employment’ exhibition returns on Wednesday 1 March, 5pm - 8pm at the Balmoral Hotel, Belfast

Your Child Their Future’s Sarah McKeag (centre) with daughter Harley, aged 12 (left) and son Rafferty, aged 15 (right).

Parents and pupils from across Northern Ireland are invited to learn about the career opportunities of today and of the future as the Your Child: Their Future exhibition returns to Belfast.

Taking place at the Balmoral Hotel, Belfast on the evening of Wednesday 1 March, the Your Child: Their Future Pathways to Employment fair will bring local employers, training providers and educational institutions together in one room to meet with teenagers and their parents and guardians as they consider their next steps.

Created by employers Allstate NI, EY and EverQuote, the exhibition will be an informative evening aimed at educating parents on the world of work, the trajectory of local industry, and the potential career routes it presents for their children.

An informal evening that’s free for all to attend, it will provide access to over 15 exhibitors including Catalyst, PwC, Parenting NI and Bring IT On. 

Parents are encouraged to attend with or without their children to meet with employers and talk to organisations that offer apprenticeships, work experience and volunteering.

They will receive guidance on the careers that exist in today’s society, the pathways into a successful career, and the skills, qualifications and subject areas that will support their children to achieve it.

Alan Ruddock, Engineering Manager at EverQuote and Your Child Their Future organiser, said:

“We are excited to be hosting another Your Child: Their Future exhibition to showcase the pathways into employment that exist in Northern Ireland. In business, we know that young people are the future of our organisations yet as parents, it can be tricky to guide and support your child towards an enjoyable and rewarding career. Young people preparing to leave school have never had so many opportunities, however it can be difficult to make sense of the options out there.”

“Next month, we hope to help families navigate this time by inviting them along for a tea or coffee and a chat with leading employers, universities, and training programmes. This is about finding out what’s out there and we feel that bringing everyone into the one room is the best way to do so.”

For more information or to register your attendance for the Your Child: Their Future Pathways to Employment Exhibition on Wednesday 1 March, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pathways-to-employment-exhibition-your-child-their-future-tickets-525437526787

BAFTA win for Northern Ireland short film An Irish Goodbye

Northern Ireland Screen funded short film, An Irish Goodbye, written and directed by Tom Berkeley and Ross White has won the BAFTA for Best British Short Film at tonight’s BAFTA awards ceremony in London.  

An Irish Goodbye is also nominated for an Academy Award in the live action short category. The Oscars will be held on Sunday 12th March, at Ovation Hollywood.

This heart-warming short film has been captivating audiences around the world having already screened at over 60 film festivals across 6 continents. 

Filmed entirely on location in Northern Ireland and set against the backdrop of a working farm, An Irish Goodbye is a black comedy following the reunion of estranged brothers Turlough and Lorcan following the untimely death of their mother. Under the watchful eye of odd-ball parish priest Father O’Shea, the brothers’ pained reunion is worsened by the fact Turlough must now make new care arrangements for Lorcan, who has Down Syndrome. A robust and dedicated farmer, Lorcan’s dream of continuing to work the land he grew up on is thwarted when Turlough decides he’s sending him to live with their aunt on the other side of Ireland. But when the brothers discover an unfulfilled bucket list belonging to their late mother, Lorcan senses an opportunity: he’ll only agree to leave the farm once he and Turlough have themselves completed every single wish on their mother’s list…all one hundred of them.

The film stars Seamus O’Hara (The Northman, Game of Thrones), James Martin (Marcella, Ups and Downs), Paddy Jenkins (Hunger) and Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones, Fortitude).

Reacting to the BAFTA win, Sir David Sterling, Chairman of Northern Ireland Screen said:

“Everyone at Northern Ireland Screen is delighted for the entire team behind An Irish Goodbye. A BAFTA win is a tremendous endorsement for Ross and Tom to receive from industry, especially at this early stage in their careers and is testament to the incredible work both on camera and behind the scenes from local creatives and crew. “

“Awards matter not only for individual development but for sectoral development too and this BAFTA win along with the Oscar nomination puts out a strong message that Northern Ireland is bursting with talent. We wish the team the best of luck as they head to LA for the Oscars next month.”

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 20 February 2023

Forward Look      

  • Please find attached a one-page brief ahead of the Local Government Elections on Thursday 18 May which are now 90 days away.

  • Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton Harris MP and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak MP are in Belfast today to meet with the five main political parties. It comes as reports suggest that a deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol could be sealed by early next week.

  • Prime Minister Rishi Sunak MP will meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over the weekend, with speculation that the meeting will end the dispute over the Protocol.

  • Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed she is resigning as Scotland’s First Minister after more than eight years in the role. Nominations to replace her will close on Friday.

  • The Irish Labour Party will table a motion at its conference next month to formalise its presence in Northern Ireland.

  • Parliament will return from recess on Monday.

  • All House of Commons Stages of The Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill will take place on Wednesday.

  • The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee will continue their inquiry on the effect of paramilitary and organised crime on society in Northern Ireland on Wednesday.

  • A private meeting of the House of Lords Subcommittee on the Northern Ireland Protocol regarding the provision of medicines will be held on Wednesday.

  • Ballots to Fine Gael party members on a motion regarding the establishment of branches in Northern Ireland close on 28 February.

  • The Department for the Economy published the Energy Strategy 2022 Action Plan report to achieve net-zero by 2050. It can be viewed here: LINK

  • Four teaching unions in Northern Ireland will participate in a half-day strike on Tuesday over pay.

  • The Insider Media Dealmaker Awards will take place on 2 March at the Europa Hotel. The nominees can be viewed here: LINK

  • Ibec is to host a peacemaker’s event to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement on Thursday. Speakers will include Alistair Campbell and Bertie Ahern.

  • The 2023 Local Government Conference will take place on Thursday at the Sliverbirch Hotel in Omagh.

 

Other Stories this week

  • The Assembly failed to elect a Speaker after it was re-called for the sixth time since the election to approve regulations to implement Daithi’s law.

  • Recent statistics from the Central Statistics Office showed that Cross-Border trade rose by 30% in 2022.  

  • House prices in Northern Ireland fell for the first time in 3 years during the final quarter of 2022.

  • According to the latest labour market statistics Northern Ireland’s employment rate increased by 3.1% in the final quarter of 2022.

 

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 23 February, Local Government Conference, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh.

  • 02 March, Women in Business Awards 2023, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast.

  • 04 March, Alliance Party Conference, Stormont Hotel, Belfast.

  • 09 March, All-Ireland Sustainability Summit, Europa Hotel, Belfast.

  • 15 March, Chancellor’s Spring Statement.

  • 24 March, SDLP Party Conference, St Columb’s Hall, Derry.

 

Consultations

Northern Ireland Local Council Elections 2023

What Do We Know?

The next Northern Ireland local government elections are scheduled for Thursday 18th May, pushed back slightly due to the Coronation of King Charles III. While the deadline to apply to be a candidate is Monday 24th April, many candidates often declare much earlier than this and campaigning will begin in earnest in the coming weeks.

Unlike Westminster and Assembly elections, Councillors do not lose their title and remain Councillors right up to the new count, with council meetings continuing and Mayors and Chairs remaining in place. There is, however, an effective purdah during the campaign with reduced agendas and without any new or controversial decisions being made. Mayors also have a reduced event schedule and are not involved in events and announcements that are seen as a personal electoral boost.

This year’s elections come at a time of rates rises and cuts to public services as Councils struggle financially in the face of rising inflation and cost pressures. Despite efforts to keep these rises below the rate of inflation, candidates and sitting councillors will not relish having to explain rises and cuts to affected residents on the doors.

State of the Parties

For the DUP, this will be the first electoral test of their Stormont boycott. With reports of a Protocol deal likely in the coming weeks, the party’s decision over any potential deal could define this election. They have the largest number of councillors going into this year’s election - any fall in numbers could see them come second to Sinn Féin.  

Consolidation is the name of the game for Sinn Féin after last year’s Assembly election when they came out on top. A key battleground to look out for is in Derry City and Strabane District Council. In 2019, they lost five seats there with the SDLP gaining three seats before subsequently comfortably retaking the Foyle seat from Sinn Féin at the Westminster Election. Sinn Féin will want to reverse those losses and to become the largest party there and across Northern Ireland as a whole.

For Alliance, the key question is whether their surge can continue? Can the party cement its place as the third largest party in Northern Ireland? Recent opinion polls certainly have them ahead of both the UUP and SDLP. A big milestone for Alliance at the last council elections was their ability to get candidates elected outside of their greater Belfast stronghold. They will hope that this trend continues.  

For the UUP and SDLP, stopping further decline is the number one priority. They both had poor showings at last May’s Assembly election, especially so for the SDLP who fell below 10% of the vote for the first time. Anything halting a further slippage would represent a good day for both.  

Post-Election

Due to the Single Transferable Vote system, the count will usually take two days to complete, meaning it is likely to be the evening of Saturday 20th May before we have a clear idea of the results. However, tallies taken on the morning of the first day of the count will give a strong indication of what the lay of the land is. After the election, each council will call an AGM and use the number of votes cast for each party and the D’Hondt method to determine Council positions over the next four years. The first four picks are usually the Mayors, then deputy Mayors, then Chairs of Committees until all positions are filled.

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead – Ireland Wednesday 15 February 2023

Forward Look     
  

  • Justice Minister Simon Harris has confirmed applications under the Immigrant Investor Programme will no longer be accepted from close of play today.

  • The Labour Party will table a motion at its annual conference next month to formalise its presence in Northern Ireland.

  • The UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper MP has said the UK Government is open to working with the Irish Government on cross-border infrastructure projects.

  • The Telegraph is reporting that a new Brexit deal can be expected in the next fortnight.

  • A new cost of living package is set to the last package before the 2024 budget.

  • The Labour Party is to bring forward a bill proposing reform of the Attorney General’s office in response to the political controversy over its legal strategy on nursing home charges.

  • The European Commission has revised upwards its forecasts for economic growth this year in Ireland. Ireland’s real GDP growth for 2023 has been revised to 4.9%.

  • Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said there will be  “social welfare and pensions element” to further cost-of-living measures to be announced in the spring. 

  • Justice Minister Simon Harris TD has briefed the Cabinet on upcoming legislation regarding the protection of vulnerable witnesses during legal proceedings.

  • Planning has begun for Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s St. Patrick’s Day Visit to Washington, D.C to meet with US President Joe Biden. 14 senior minister and 19 junior ministers will travel to meet with governments abroad on the day.

  • Finance Minister Michael McGrath has begun stakeholder meetings with those in the hospitality sector regarding the predicted increase in VAT from 9% to 13%

  • It is expected the Education Minister Norma Foley TD will launch an inquiry into abuse at private schools in the coming months. The initial inquiry due to launch in January was delayed due to evidence gathering.

  • The haulage sector is set to receive €18 million in financial supports in the coming weeks through the Licensed Haulage Support Scheme 2023.

  • At a health conference in Dublin, Luca Lorenzoni of OECD said that Ireland’s health budget could rise to 25% of all Government spending by 2040.

 

 

Other Stories this week

 

  • Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Pascal Donohoe was in Brussels to chair the February Eurogroup meeting of European Finance Ministers. He also attended the ECOFIN Council on Wednesday.

  • Independent Denis Naughten TD has announced he will not contest the next general election in 2025. Naughten has served in the Dáil since 1997.

  • The Cabinet approved a new Citizen’s Assembly on drug use at its meeting in Dublin yesterday.

 

Upcoming key political and business events

 

  • 16 February Chartered Accountants of Ireland Members Dinner with Donard Gaynor, Sligo Park Hotel.

  • 23 February Dublin Chamber of Commerce AGM Dinner, Royal Convention Centre, Dublin.

  • 23 February Investment Firms Outlook 2023, The Marker Hotel, Dublin.

  • 24 February Business Post Global Irish Diaspora Awards, the Waldorf Hilton, London.

  • 24 February CIPD Ireland HR Awards, The Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin.

 

Consultations

MLAs gather at Parliament Buildings to support DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal

MLAs gathered at Stormont today to support the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal and stand in solidarity with people affected by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Hosted by Alliance Party MLA Kate Nicholl and supported by SDLP MLA Cara Hunter and DUP MLA Philip Brett, the event heard from Disasters Emergency Committee Chief Executive Saleh Saeed, Concern Worldwide programme coordinator in Turkey, Begum Akdoğan who is supporting aid efforts in the Turkish city of Adiyaman, and Mustafa Nadaf, a Syrian man who lives and works in Belfast, and told MLAs of his family’s experience in Idlib, Syria.

Nine days since the devastating earthquake struck, more than 41,000 people are known to have died. Many more have been injured and thousands of buildings, including hospitals and schools, have been reduced to rubble.

Over £1.1 million has been raised for the appeal in Northern Ireland since it launched on Thursday 9 February, while £74.1 million has been raised across the UK, including £5 million matched by the UK Government through the UK Aid Match scheme.

Addressing members of the Northern Ireland Assembly, DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said:

“Thank you to the people of Northern Ireland, and members of the Northern Ireland Assembly, for rallying around the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal. With the help of the extraordinary £1.1 million donated in Northern Ireland so far, DEC charities are responding directly and through their local partners, delivering aid to affected communities both inside Turkey and in north-west Syria. They are meeting basic needs and finding ways to support people that need help.”

“The needs are immense, and we’re incredibly grateful for the response so far. Thank you to Kate Nicholl MLA for dedicating her time and resource to host this event.”

The DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal is raising urgent funds to help people affected by the devastating earthquakes. It brings together 15 leading aid charities at times of crisis overseas, 14 of which are responding in Turkey and Syria.

In Northern Ireland, it includes Concern Worldwide, the British Red Cross, Save the Children and Tearfund, who continue to urge local people to support the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal where they can.

The most urgent needs on the ground in Turkey and Syria include medical care, emergency shelter, winter kits, food, clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. This week, doctors working in hospitals treating earthquake survivors warned there is an urgent need for trauma kits, antibiotics, and pain relief as well as more specialised equipment for crush injuries for hands and feet as well as brain surgery.

The DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal is supporting hospitals and medical services through DEC member charities and their local partners in both countries.

Kate Nicholl, Alliance MLA said:

“Like others, I’ve been horrified by the harrowing images of the aftermath of the earthquakes and deeply saddened by the stories from survivors who are fighting to survive in harsh and freezing conditions. In a show of solidarity with the communities who have been devastated by this disaster and to honour the victims, I was pleased to host this event today, and support the DEC Turkey – Syria Earthquake Appeal to scale up their response and reach more people in need.”

Kevin McCaughan, Senior Institutional Programme Funding Officer at the British Red Cross in Northern Ireland said:

“The scale of the devastation across Turkey and Syria is becoming clear nine days on from the terrible earthquakes. To think that millions of people’s lives and livelihoods have been destroyed is hard to grasp, but it is the reality for so many right now. We have been impressed by the incredible generosity of the people of Northern Ireland so far. These donations will support the aid efforts which we know will need to continue for quite some time. We urge anyone who can to continue to support the appeal as needs develop.”

NI charities issue call for support as Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) launches Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has today launched an appeal to raise urgent funds to help people affected by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria which have killed more than 15,000 people and injured many more.

In Northern Ireland, the DEC’s member charities Concern Worldwide, the British Red Cross, Save the Children and Tearfund are urging local people to support the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal where they can.  

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals and schools, have collapsed and infrastructure has been badly damaged. Local responders are searching through the rubble for survivors.

Many people have been left without shelter in freezing winter conditions, with humanitarian needs expected to grow in the coming days. Access to clean water is likely to be a challenge, bringing the risk of waterborne diseases. There was already an outbreak of cholera in north-west Syria before the earthquake.

The first earthquake struck without warning in the early hours as people slept. In Turkey, tens of thousands of people have been injured. According to the Turkish government, 380,000 people have sought refuge in government shelters or hotels.

Buildings also collapsed in north-west Syria where many people have fled from conflict in the country and medical facilities are limited. Aid workers say displaced people living in tents are hosting families whose homes have been destroyed.

DEC charities and their local partners are among the first responders, working with locally-led relief efforts. Immediate priorities are medical treatment for the injured, shelter for those who have lost their homes, as well as blankets, warm clothes and heaters for safe spaces. They are also ensuring people have enough food and clean water. 

The DEC brings together 15 leading aid charities at times of crisis overseas. Fourteen of these are responding in Turkey and Syria including British Red Cross, ActionAid and Save the Children.

Lois Bailie, NI Acting Director at Tearfund, said:

“It has been terrible to watch this week as the devastation caused in Turkey and Syria by the earthquakes became clear. Thousands of people have lost their lives, lost loved ones and ended up in crisis following the earthquakes in the early hours of Monday morning. Buildings have collapsed and people have been trapped under rubble, with many others left out in the cold facing unimaginable circumstances.”

“Help is urgently needed on the ground to provide immediate aid and to begin the assessment of what will be needed in the long term. The DEC’s work ensures donations are turned into tangible, on the ground aid as quickly as possible. We urge people to give whatever they can to the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal.”

DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said:

“The devastation in Turkey and Syria is heartbreaking, with thousands of people losing loved ones suddenly in the most shocking of ways. In Turkey alone, 6,000 buildings including schools and health centres have collapsed, with infrastructure vital to everyday life such as sanitation and water supplies badly damaged.”

“Funds are urgently needed to support families with medical aid, emergency shelter, food and clean water in freezing, snowy conditions. Fourteen of our member charities are responding now in Turkey and Syria and can do more with your help. Of course, we know that money is tight for many people here in the UK as the cost-of-living crisis continues, but if you can, please do donate to support people caught up in this deadly disaster.” 

Salah Aboulgasem, Deputy Director of Partner Development at Islamic Relief, based in Gazientep, Turkey, said:

“The priority right now is saving lives by clearing the rubble. The next priority is supporting people who have lost their homes and gone through huge trauma. People need medicines and warmth. There is a lot of screaming, people are trying to find relatives.” 

“A lot of people are sleeping in cars because they are scared to go back into the buildings due to aftershocks. The cars are freezing cold.” 

“Islamic Relief have lots of local staff and a well-established programme in the area, they are working with mosques and schools to open shelters.” 

The UK Government will match the first £5 million of donations from the British public to the DEC’s Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal to provide vital humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people affected by the disaster. This is part of a wider package of support from the UK Government and is in addition to ongoing UK Aid support in Syria and Turkey. 

 UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

“When disasters like these terrible earthquakes strike, we know the British people want to help. They have shown time and again that few are more generous and compassionate. 

“That is why we are match funding public donations to DEC’s appeal to provide urgent humanitarian assistance, as part of a wider package of support from the UK that will be used to provide life-saving interventions to those who need it most in the region.” 

Stay up to date with developments in Turkey and Syria, the emergency response and the fundraising efforts with the DEC on Twitter or on Facebook.  

Young girls put cybersecurity skills to the test at schools competition

Glenlola Collegiate Girls School in Bangor crowned winners in Northern Ireland competition supported by Allstate NI

Year Nine pupils from Glenlola Collegiate Girls School in Bangor lift the CyberFirst Girls trophy.

Girls from twelve schools across Northern Ireland have put their cybersecurity skills to the test in the Northern Ireland final of the UK CyberFirst Girls competition.

The flagship UK cybersecurity competition for schools, CyberFirst Girls is supported in Northern Ireland by Allstate NI.  The team from Glenlola Collegiate Girls School, Bangor were crowned the winners in a live final at the company’s Belfast office on Saturday.

Designed to introduce girls to the discipline of cybersecurity and help them understand what a career in cyber might look like, the competition involved a series of puzzles and group exercises covering topics from cryptography to AI to logic.

Regardless of their ability, literacy or numeracy skills, the competitors were given the 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.

After a challenging online qualifying round, the top twelve teams of Year Nine girls from schools across Northern Ireland took part in the live final on Saturday.

Established by the National Cyber Security Centre, which is a part of GCHQ, the competition was attended and addressed by Lindy Cameron, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre.

As the official sponsor and one Northern Ireland’s largest IT employers, 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.

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

The schools who competed in the CyberFirst Girls competition are as follows:

  • St Dominic’s Grammar School, Belfast

  • Ballymena Academy

  • Glenlola Collegiate Girls School, Bangor

  • Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch

  • Thornhill College, L’Derry

  • St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s College, Claudy

  • Strathearn School, Belfast

  • St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon

  • Our Lady's Grammar School, Newry

  • The Royal School, Armagh

  • Our Lady and St. Patrick's College, Knock

  • Dalriada School, Ballymoney

Teacher at Glenlola Collegiate Girls School Janine Heron added:

“I am so proud of our four CyberFirst winners at Glenlola. The girls have been truly dedicated to this competition and have enjoyed every second of this opportunity. I would like to thank Allstate NI and the National Cyber Security Centre for hosting this event and demonstrating the incredible opportunities the sector presents.”

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

“CyberFirst Girls is an inspiring initiative that fits with our goals at Allstate NI to education and inform the next generation of cyber technologists. Northern Ireland’s cyber sector is growing rapidly, but gender diversity is a real concern and we have a responsibility to address it. It was a pleasure to see the dedication of the competitors on Saturday, and we hope the competition has inspired more young females to launch their careers at the cutting edge of this industry.”

Lindy Cameron, National Cyber Security Centre CEO, said:

“Congratulations to all the girls who took part in this year’s CyberFirst Girls Competition in Northern Ireland, and a special well done to Glenlola. The growing cybersecurity industry desperately 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 the local schools for their work helping us uncover new cyber talent and I hope for many of the girls that this will be just the start of their interest in this area.”