17/11/2011 BBC Newsline

The evening. -- good evening. The headlines: The Executive sets

out its stall for the next four years.

From draughty windows to direct investment, what would it mean it

for you? Sinn Fein are to raise the use of

police drones. The novel solution to higher

education tuition fees. And who is applying for the

Northern Ireland job? Is the weather about to improve? I

will tell you shortly. The First Minister says judge us on

delivery. Delivering more than 70 commitments in the programme for

government is a tall order. Martin McGuinness admits Stormont will

have to raise its game. The Executive's targets include 25,000

new jobs over the next four years and an investment fund for business,

and a reduction in the size of local government. Some have already

been allocated money. The program allows the public to see what is

promised and check what is happening over the next four years.

It has been something of a mystery. Just when will the Executive

finally published its programme for government? After a midnight

session at Stormont Castle last night, MLAs awoke to find not just

the programme, but an economic and investment strategy, all designed

to rebuild our fortunes. programme for government and the

investment strategy for Northern Ireland reflect our commitment to

build a better future. These key plans also include specific action

to deliver against our commitments. The reality is that we cannot

simply react passively to world events as they happen. We need to

proactively seek out opportunities for Northern Ireland to become a be

denied in the recovery, which will inevitably follow the bad times.

The Executive is promising to There are more than 70 commitment

but the priority is clear. The we collectively, and I include all of

us in this, we need to raise our game in terms of improving the

economy. Others pointed to flaws in the programme. I want to welcome

the statement in that now we have good points to work on but there

are big holes in it which we will look at later. For me it suffers

from a serious medical condition called Helena OBL. The man from Mr

Ban would say it is blind on one side. -- Strabane. What basis does

the Minister have for such optimism given that half of the key targets

were met in the last programme? may be genetically incapable of

being positive. One critic claimed he was not even called. Only

members from the Executive parties have been called. Is there a fear?

Order! Order! Ministers have invited the public to have a say

between now and February and the promises to come with a note of

caution, that ministers are at the mercy of global economic conditions.

Despite Westminster cuts, the Executive hopes to expand the

economy and help local business grow, with the intention of

creating 25,000 jobs in the next four years. How is it going to do

that? No fantasy TV series, Game of

Thrones, is a huge success and not just for its fans, but in terms of

attracting industry to Northern Ireland. It may not look like a

traditional inward investment but that is what it is. It creates

high-value jobs and boost spending. Other media producers, like this

delegation from the CENTCOM Valley, are keen to explore of Northern

Ireland as a possible location. -- silicone Valley. We are looking at

possibilities, talents and the possibility for emerging media. I

am interested in broadband, mobile and gaming resources and short form

content. But we want to see what the base looks like. The economic

strategy released today has revised downwards the investment expected

from abroad because of the international slowdown. There will

be a greater reliance on job creation with a smaller local

companies, also in the creative sector. -- smaller local companies.

We are 6.5 years in and have a team of 10 people. I would like to see

focus on the creative industries playing out for businesses like us.

To help small businesses get credit a new scheme will be set up. It

will offer a �50 million worth of loans to small and medium-sized

businesses. The target set by the Creating a 25,000 new jobs lies at

the heart of this strategy. So far, it is an aspiration. The hard work

will be turning into reality, especially in the current economic

climate. Our political editor is at Stormont.

We have waited a long time for this. Does it live up to expectations?

Some of the targets appeared striking at first but when you

analyse them they do not seem to be quite so ambitious. There was a

target for free pre-school education for all young children

yet more than 90% of parents were getting it anyway. Other targets

are ambitious. Double-glazing for Housing Executive Homes is a way of

tackling several things at once. This new jobs target is

considerably higher than the 6,500 job target which existed in the

previous programme for government. When we consider its success, how

will the rate that? There are a couple of different ways. When we

get to the end of the Assembly term, people will want to know whether

those jobs were created. They will be looking to see what Invest NI

and the Executive has to say on it. People in general will give an

overall judgment on the Executive which will take into account not

just the document but the wider economic circumstances, such as how

many jobs are lost in other sectors, do they feel their lives have

improved, but public services have not been cut too much. When it

comes to election time, people will judge this in the round rather than

just going through a document. The trial of two men accused of

murdering two soldiers at Massereene Barracks in Antrim has

heard that the computer-based method used by an American expert

to analyse DNA in the case has never been used in a UK court. The

expert strenuously defended the method. Colin Duffy and Brian

Shivers denied the charges against them.

The analysis of DNA taken from the getaway car used in the attack on

Massereene Barracks was under scrutiny again in court today. If

forensic witness for the Crown had testified that he had compared it

to DNA from the accused men and find that samples on the seat belt

buckle were almost six trillion times more likely to have come from

Colin Duffy than any other person and similar tests from a mobile

phone show they were more than 6 billion times more likely to have

come from Brian Shivers than another. Barry Macdonald QC -- GC -

- QC questioned the analysis. He said it was different from the

method normally used in court here and if allowed, this would be the

first time this type of evidence was admissible in a court in the UK.

The barrister Pep it -- put it to him that he was in court as an

expert witness and as a businessman. The possible deployment of drones

by the police to help combat crime and terrorism is to be raised at

the next meeting of the Policing Board. As we revealed yesterday,

the police have already had talks about getting permission to use

remote-controlled miniature aircraft.

It may look like something from the world of science fiction but drones

like this could soon be part of the policing of Northern Ireland. Made

by a Canadian company, the camera on this aerial vehicle, known as a

UAP, can track people and objects and has a range of more than two

miles. The Civil Aviation Authority, which must give permission before

they can take to the skies, has confirmed it has held talks with

the PSNI about the possible deployment of drones. The PSNI has

yet to discuss the issue with the Policing Board, whose support it

may need for funding the purchase of the technology. Gerry Kelly

today attended a conference on the future of policing at the

University of Ulster. Does the sea drones as part of that future? --

does he seem drones? In if it is to do with good policing let's look at

it on that basis. Expensive helicopters have been BOP. I do not

know how much these things cost. The first issue is severely, the

second is what will it be used for, the third is the issue of cost.

This DUP Policing Board member had this to say... It has the potential

not just to deal with the terrorist threat from dissidents, but also

those engaged in the smuggling of cross-border fuels. We know there

is a problem with child trafficking across the border, coming into

Northern Ireland as a backdoor into Britain. Areas like that should

give us serious concern and if this is something that can help we

should consider it. The police say at this stage, they have no

immediate plans to purchase the technology. Sinn Fein planned to

raise the issue at the next Policing Board meeting.

Still to come... Something special, these pupils

celebrate a landmark anniversary. Something is stirring at the IFA

headquarters this evening. We can reveal that two former English

Premier League managers are on hand for the Northern Ireland job.

Bus and train services across Northern Ireland are likely to be

disrupted at the end of this month during a strike. Members of the

UNITE union at Translink have voted for a industrial action on 30th

November. Translink says it is still awaiting formal notification

from the unions and says it cannot know what the impact will be on

services. The Taoiseach Enda Kenny is on his

first visit to Belfast. He went to Stormont, where he was welcomed by

the First and Deputy First Ministers. He visited East Belfast

and met local loyalists and community representatives. He is

due to visit the Short Strand In the Stormont programme for

government is a commitment to could double glazing and cows are as of

homes. But it only applies to Housing

Executive tenants with old windows, to help them keep warm and reduce

their fuel bills. This Executive home is ready for a facelift. It is

one of 50,000 properties which will get double glazing and the next

three years. The occupants, both pensioners, say it is long overdue,

because the house is hard to heat up, and fuel costs are high. With

everyone talking about preserving energy, I know where my energy is

going, straight through the windows. They are so bad. This initiative

could cost in the region of �100 million. The Executive will be in a

Stocktake shortly, then prioritise the order of work. When I heard the

announcement this morning I could have cried, because it was -- we

were getting nowhere with them, trying every avenue that is open. I

was absolutely delighted. The move will help cut heating bills, but

will not solve the wider problem of fuel poverty. It is excellent news

for housing Executive tenants, we lose up to 10% of heat through the

windows, so it is excellent news. Unfortunately fuel poverty does not

only left with housing Executive tenants, we have massive problems

in the owner-occupied sector and private rental sector. The Housing

Executive had committed to this worker all ready, but by 2021. --

this work already. Of the 13,000 students who win

university places each year, a third of them have been choosing to

go to Britain. But with keys -- fees dramatically

increasing, some families were looking elsewhere to get value for

money. The high cost of degrees and

England, Wales and Scotland is proving a deterrent for some

parents. This sixth-former has done research and is keen to study in

Holland. Even with local fees frozen, universities in the

Netherlands would be half of the cost of Northern Ireland. Nine

grand a year, 27 grand at the end of it. That is a lot of money to

pay at the end of university. you ever been to Holland? No, but

it is mainland Europe, and Isle of the culture. I do not mind where I

go, as long as it is not nine grand. His father is a teacher who is not

-- and he is not keen for him to run up a high bill. The university

courses are taught in English. They are higher rated than the

universities in Northern Ireland, on a European level, and the fees

would only be �1,700 per annum. has no option but to study classics

outside Northern Ireland, and for more students Great Britain is the

natural route. But his mother thinks the bill will be bearable.

It is well worth the money. In terms of economics, it is better

for a student to be paying off alone, than the alternative which

is not going to university, and take a less well-paid job at the

end of the Dave. James is deciding whether to study architecture, but

his parents expect them -- to expect to have to tighten their

belts if he stays here. We have to make this a decision about when we

will retire. One worry is that the competitive fees will...

Mitchell House Special School in east Belfast is celebrating its

50th birthday. It opened its doors in November 1961, with a two

resident pupils, but a lot has changed since then, not least the

advances in technology which have transformed the lives of children

It was down to some of the youngest pupils to welcome the Lord Mayor to

Mitchell House School, to kick-off one week of 50th birthday

celebrations. The school has 87 pupils, aged between three and 19.

All of them have a physical disability. We have children in

wheelchairs, and children who are mobile and on their feet. Some

children can talk, some cannot. Modern technology is wonderful, so

for the children who cannot communicate there is an alternative

means of communication, and they are becoming more evident with in

the classroom, to help them. This pupil has a great example of

how the technology has helped. Working alongside her speech

therapist, she no longer has to feel frustrated at not being able

to express herself. For the parents who send their children here, many

comments on the Chiarini for -- many comment on the caring ethos of

the staff. They're so caring about the children. Once they have

settled in, all the children are so happy for. A trip down memory lane

for some past pupils, with a chance to look through some photos on

display. That was in mild Visio department. I would have been about

six or seven. You're obviously enjoying yourself. I enjoyed every

minute here. Those who have been to Mitchell House described as a big

family, which can be problematic when the children will be. It is

such a warm, welcoming environment, and it is strange to go out into

the open world. What was the hardest part? Definitely leaving

all my friends, and some of the staff behind. It break your heart

when you leave. It is a huge adjustment, and we try to prepare

them for work, but it is difficult. I think it is difficult for a free

person out there, as well as those with disabilities. It is your

birthday on Sunday, the same day as the school. Are you going to be 50

on Sunday? While the past 50 years have seen

some great improvements for children at the school, there is

still progress to be made in making the outside world a more welcoming

place once they leave. And happy birthday!

A great place to go to school for. There are managerial developments

this evening in soccer and in GA. - - GAA.

First, to a Tyrone man, Peter Canavan has emerged as the front-

runner to become the manager of before manner -- for a man at --

Fermanagh football team. Interviews for the job starts tonight, and the

county hopes to make a formal announcement next week.

The search for a new Northern Ireland manager is gathering pace

this evening. We have learned that at least two former English Premier

League managers have applied for the job. Mark Sidebottom has been

following the story. Just when you think it is a two or

three horse race, the field expands. This evening we have two exclusive

names in the race for the Northern Ireland manager's job. Dave Jones

and Avram Grant. Most recently Dave Jones was in

charge of Cardiff City when he took the club to the play-offs last

season. Avram Grant's high mark was when he took Chelsea to the top,

against Manchester United. I spoke to both of them in this afternoon,

and Mr Jones would not confirm his interest, but I have good of

authority -- have it on good authority that there has been

contact. The agents have also been in touch with the IFA. Could the

IFA a four-term? Top of the wish list is Martin O'Neill. But I

imagine he is priced out of the market. Do not discount the three

horse race we originally stumbled upon. It all adds to the intrigue.

For the first time in a long time, the semi-finals of one of local

football's Cup competitions will not feature will in field or

Glentoran. When Tom's nine-match unbeaten run came to an end in

their right Irn-Bru League Cup quarter-final against Coleraine.

Martin Murray had given him the lead but Johnny Black's free-kick

levelled the game in the second half. David Ogilby got the winner

for Coleraine 15 minutes from full- time. They have a semi-final

meeting with Cliftonville. Crusaders beat Carrick Rangers by

seven-0, and six of them were headers. The prospect of golf's

Irish Open being stayed at Royal Portrush has moved a step closer

with the publication of Stormont's programme for government. A pledge

to bring a major tournament to Northern Ireland is one of the

commitments made. Our information is that the Irish Open will be

staged in Portrush in 2013. It is believed an agreement may be made

to play the event of Northern Ireland once every five years.

Have you heard about the Republic of Ireland fan who did not have a

ticket for that qualifier in Tallinn, so he sneaked in disguised

as a member of the Estonian team? Conor Cunningham from Cork,

pictured on the right, and you can find out more about this on BBC

Newsline's Facebook page. Checkout the Facebook page!

A story about Children In Need in a We had some very strong winds today,

with persistent and heavy rain to. That is because of this cloud. On

the upside, most of their heavy rain is clearing away, but we will

continue to see outbreaks of rain at times. The temperatures are 12

degrees in some places. Those temperatures are normally seen

during the day in April. Friday will get off to a mild start, but

it will stay and settled. The winds were not quite as strong as today.

We will see some outbreaks of rain. There will be some dry spells in

between, but it will be grey. Not much in the way of brightness or

sunshine for the first part of the day. It looks as if rain will be

focused in the West. Temperatures to more or up to 15 degrees, well

above average. In the second part of the afternoon, there may have --

may be a glimmer of some sunshine, which would be in the West. --

which would be in the east. In Saturday, we will see some

outbreaks of rain, but a mild night to come. It looks as though Sunday

will be a fairly decent end to the weekend. We will keep an eye on

that and keep you up-to-date. If you are frightened about tomorrow,

raising money for Children In Need, I was worried about him, he fell

off the logo earlier. A lot of people have been donating

money to save so many lives. We have been visiting Include Youth,

which tries to get vulnerable 16- 21-year-old into employment or

training. It is lunchtime, and chicken

burgers are on the menu. The young people on this project are not in

employment, education or training. They are taught the usual size --

subjects like maths and English, but also pick up practical skills

like cooking. The aim is to lift their self-esteem and find him a

job, ultimately. They are given a good breakfast and

lunch to keep them sustained throughout the training. There are

also day-trips and social activities. Practically, we use

Children In Need funding to buy a assured or trousers for people

going on a work placement. Something they would not be able to

afford otherwise. Today they are making a d e d two

trained mentors, which is another important part of the scheme. For

these people, learning in a supportive environment has been the

key to success. I have learnt how to use a computer,

which I would never have been able to do. It has improved my knowledge

of things. I have learned a lot here. I'm doing my GCSEs again.

Many of these young people will go on to employment or further