Bi-lingual healthy eating
Caitríona Ruane, Education Minister welcomed the launch of 'Na Maceys: Turas Scoile Blianintiúil' an Irish language educational resource focused on healthy eating.
The Minister said: "It is vital if we are to reverse current obesity trends that we take every opportunity to educate our children to make sensible decisions in regards to what they eat and their lifestyle choices. It is therefore essential that schools, parents and the food industry work together to help our children understand the importance of healthy eating.
"I expect breakfast clubs, vending machines, tuck shops and after school clubs to adhere to the nutritional standards set by my department. I am also planning a legislative change to enable the department to enforce these standards," she added.
"This book is an excellent example of how we are able to get the healthy eating message across in a fun and informative way."
Missing person laws
The Government published draft legislation to help relatives of 'the disappeared' and other missing persons.
The draft Presumption of Death Bill (Northern Ireland) allows the High Court to declare a missing person may be presumed dead and for the issuing of death certificates.
Announcing the proposals Finance Minister, Rt Hon Peter Robinson MP, MLA said: "When a person goes missing and is presumed dead, in addition to the emotional trauma, the families left behind find themselves in a state of legal limbo. Can the family home be sold? Does the missing person's will have to followed? Can the death of the missing person be registered?
"The draft Bill allows family members and others to apply to the High Court for a declaration that the missing person may be presumed to be dead if he or she is thought to have died or has been missing for more than seven years and has not been heard from during that period. The court order will lead to the missing person's presumed death being registered and a death certificate issued to the families."
The Minister appealed for responses from the public as well as professional and voluntary organisations during the forthcoming 12-week consultation period.
Tourism embracing change
Tourism Minister Nigel Dodds, launched the third tourism Masterclasses organised by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).
The high profile Masterclasses aim to develop internationally competitive businesses and assist tourism organisations to deliver memorable experiences for visitors.
Minister Dodds said: "Northern Ireland is experiencing a tourism renaissance with visitor numbers rising and tourists spending more while visiting. Last year saw a period of record occupancy in hotels, while visitor figures rose by 4% overall.
"For tourism businesses to meet the challenges of the modern economy it is vital they embrace change and become globally aware. They must also continually improve the quality of their product.
"Another important factor is people. Investment in roads, hotels, signature projects and access are all vital, but also needed are skilled, motivated and caring staff. The friendliness of our people has always been recognised by visitors as a key asset. As tourism continues to expand we need to work harder at recruiting, training and retaining the best."
