DAERA has announced plans to relax some of the restrictions on a County Down livestock market introduced following the detection of the Bluetongue virus in the area.

The Health Minister is reminding the public that timely discharge from hospital is vital to protect our Health and Social Care (HSC) services this winter.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has highlighted the important progress being made at Daisy Hill Hospital in helping reduce Northern Ireland’s waiting lists, noting the hospital’s growing role within the wider transformation of elective care across the region.

DAERA has announced the emergence of two more suspected Bluetongue cases on a third Co Down farm.

Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly and Joanne Bunting have reaffirmed the Executive’s commitment to growing the economy and improving the lives of all our people.