Education goes to Scotland
Education Minister Caitríona Ruane met with her Scottish counterpart, Fiona Hyslop MSP, to discuss a range of educational issues.
Speaking following the meeting, Ms Ruane said: "I found this engagement very useful. I was particularly interested in the focus in Scotland on early intervention and support for early years and on ensuring that every child can reach his or her potential, regardless of background. This is a focus that we share. It was also good to hear of recent developments in Scotland to ensure that parents have a much fuller and richer involvement in the education of their children."
Ms Ruane continued: "I have taken this opportunity to update the Minister on the proposed changes for transfer from primary to post-primary schools in the North of Ireland. I was also particularly interested in the approach adopted in Scotland to improving standards in schools. The focus on community and parental involvement in schools is an important dimension of their school improvement policy, as is the value placed on democracy in schools, where pupils are encouraged to have a say in how schools are run."
Hollywood at Stormont
Arts Minister Edwin Poots and Economy Minister Nigel Dodds welcomed Hollywood legends Lord Richard Attenborough and Shirley MacLaine to Parliament Buildings.
The stars were in Northern Ireland the world premiere of Lord Attenborough's latest movie, Closing the Ring, screened at Belfast's Waterfront Hall.
Welcoming members of the cast to Northern Ireland, Mr Dodds said: "One of my first responsibilities as Economy Minister was to announce £12million of additional funding for Northern Ireland Screen through Invest NI. Today, with a commercial world premiere in Belfast, it is clear that this funding is helping Northern Ireland Screen to deliver on its strategic objectives."
Plant a tree for Christmas
First Minister the Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley MP, MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA delivered a Christmas tree with a difference to Stormont.
The tree, however, was not one bedecked with tinsel and baubles. Instead it was a Norwegian Spruce which was planted in the grounds of Stormont Castle. They were joined by Major David Jackson, Leader of the Salvation Army in Ireland and Aileen Coney, Regional Administrator from the Society of St Vincent de Paul.
Dr Paisley said: "I believe it is appropriate to recognise and commend the important everyday work of charities especially at this time of the year.
"In particular both the charities work very hard to provide festive gifts to children in our society whose families are less fortunate than ourselves. These efforts are very much appreciated."
Martin McGuinness added: "The planting of a tree not only gives the First Minister and I the opportunity to acknowledge the contribution and commitment of the charities but also to demonstrate our commitment to sustainable development.
"When there is likely to be so much packaging and wrapping paper discarded over the next few weeks, we hope that this tree will serve as a practical symbol of sustainability for years to come."
