The Department of Education has announced the appointment of Mr Barry Mulholland to the post of Chairperson of the Board of the Education Authority with effect from 1 January 2021.

Finance Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed that same sex couples can now convert their civil partnership to marriage.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “I remain committed to delivering legal protections to those facing domestic abuse but today I was forced to defer the further consideration stage of the Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill because of potentially significant financial implications that became apparent during discussions between my officials and the Department of Finance, as a result of amendments brought forward by the Justice Committee.

Health Minister Robin Swann has warned that Northern Ireland is entering a new phase in the Covid-19 pandemic, with “hopes and fears” sitting side by side.

Ministers have outlined a package of measures agreed by the Executive that will come into effect at the end of the two week circuit breaker.