Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie announced the re-opening of Crumlin Road Gaol for guided public tours.
Many new features have been introduced since the pilot opening last year, which attracted almost five thousand visitors. The execution cells have been restored to their original state. This will give visitors a true sense of what it was like for a prisoner facing such an awful fate. Other additions include The Reception Room, where prisoners were taken on arriving at the Gaol, along with an Exhibits Room enabling more artefacts to be displayed.
Margaret Ritchie said: "The success of the pilot has convinced me of the huge potential of the gaol as a major visitor attraction, capable of attracting thousands of visitors into North Belfast
"I am therefore pleased to be able to announce that the gaol is to be re-opened for public tours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays each week, starting from this coming Friday, 13 June and running to 12 September. This will, once again, give people an opportunity to view the building and get a real sense of both its history and its future potential."
Boost for sign language
The Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey, pledged an additional £1.3million to enhance the provision of sign language tutors and interpreters here.
Speaking about the announcement, the minister said: "The shortage of sign language tutors and interpreters in Northern Ireland has long been of concern.
"Currently, around 5,000 profoundly deaf sign language users in Northern Ireland have access to only ten fully qualified interpreters, relying on them to assist in communication in a wide range of circumstances, such as employment and education, hospital appointments and legal proceedings. The lack of qualified specialists has meant that thousands of deaf people have been excluded from everyday activities that hearing people take for granted.
"I am pleased that my department was successful in securing this funding which I am sure will go a long way in addressing this issue."
REVIEW OF YOUTH SERVICES
Education Minister Caitríona Ruane called on all those with an interest in the youth sector to contribute their views on the future shape of youth provision.
The minister was speaking as she launched the first phase of formal engagement on the development of the "Priorities for Youth" - the future strategy for the development of the sector. Young people, youth workers and those with an interest in youth work will have the opportunity to influence the priority areas for youth over the next few years.
Ms Ruane said: "We must listen to the views of children and young people and ask them to tell us how they think services should be shaped. It is also essential that the views of youth workers, volunteers and others working at the front line with children and young people are heard.
"I am keen that all those with an interest in this important work have the opportunity to put forward their views. That is why we will be sending a questionnaire to a wide range of people and organisations involved in services for young people.
Download the questionnaire from the Department of Education website.The closing date for responses is 30 September 2008.
