24/11/2011 BBC Newsline

Good evening. This is BBC Newsline with Donna Traynor and Sarah

Travers. The headlines this Thursday evening: controversial

killings by the police, the ombudsman says they cannot be

investigated. Joins me in West Yorkshire will where I will find

out why this practice could be leading the way for surgeries in

Northern Ireland. The enterprise minister denies a conflict of

interest in the awarding of a gas contract. Is this one of the best

places in the world to visit next year. It represents the zeitgeist.

Great stories and personality. It is honest. We will hear from our

two golfers trying to win the championship in We'll hear from our

two golfers trying to win the world championship in China and we've got

the goals which mean at least Northern Irelands women can qualify

for the European Championships. And it's wet and very windy at the

moment, but will it improve by tomorrow? I'll tell you shortly.

Some of the most controversial killings of the Troubles can't be

re-investigated because they're caught in a legal limbo. Nearly 50

cases where RUC officers were responsible for the deaths were

referred to the Police Ombudsman's office four years ago, but no new

investigations have taken place. Our Home Affairs Correspondent

Vincent Kearney has this exclusive report.

The inquiries team was set up to investigate the death during the

Troubles. But not for those where police were responsible. That

included the death of five Republicans in 1982. Under

allegations that they were using a shoot-to-kill policy.

Investigations into deaths by the state must be fully independent. As

they are accountable to a to Constable, it cannot investigate

killings by police officers. Four years ago it past the files on 49

such killings to the police ombudsman. As far as he was

concerned, they would be investigated by an independent body.

But they weren't. The Office said they are prevented from conducting

fresh investigations to determine whether any of the police officers

involved were guilty of a criminal offence. The problem is it prevents

the Police Ombudsman from investigating any matters

previously investigated by police and less there is new evidence. The

result of that is that we are in a situation where those being

reinvestigated will only be those deaths of police actions. That

means that no matter where the years were spent investigating

killings, or just hours, the Office cannot launch any new investigation

into what happened. Although concerns about the legal status of

the cases were raised in the office four years ago, it is only in

recent months that it has sought independent advice. And the

families of most of those killed have not been informed about the

legal problems. Why has it taken so long? We thought the case earlier

this year might result in clarification, and it has. We

cannot investigate these matters. We are conscious about the families

involved, those traumatised by the experience. Losing their loved ones.

We need to be clear about the position before we contact those

families. We are now clear on our position and can engage with those

families as a result of this. director of the investigation

described the situation as unfair, but said the office is powerless to

act. It is not an equitable position. We will have debts for

which the army are responsible reviewed by H T C. We have all

manner of deaths in the Troubles, with be proportionally small number

for which the police were responsible. That seems to me to

raise moral, if not a legal issue. It is unfair. There is no equity.

That seems to be missing. ombudsman now plans to ask for new

legislation to investigate these cases. Already under intense

pressure, following a series of revelations from the office in

recent months, the fact the ombudsman has not of many of the

families about what is going on is likely to me to more criticism.

Our local health service is in the spotlight this week with a major

review likely to recommend big changes in the way it delivers

services. We've looked at obesity and elderly care, tonight we focus

on GP surgeries which the review says should provide more services,

like specialist treatment you now get in hospital. A GP, who is

advising the review team, says you don't need more money for that,

just people working more efficiently. His surgery is in West

Yorkshire. So our correspondent Marie-Louise Connolly travelled

there to discover the sort of surgery heading our way.

Good morning. As well as providing routine services, this practice

near Bradford in England also specialises in treating illnesses

like diabetes and heart conditions. That means patients in this one

building can not only see their GP, but be referred to a specialist to

treats them here rather than in hospital. You know you can ring

them and you know they will ring you back with any queries.

Especially with the heart condition, it is put in my mind at rest.

doctor is a GP but also specialises on practice -- plastic and other

surgeries. According to him, shifting some services out of

hospitals and into the community is better value for money. There is

nothing to stop Northern Ireland from doing this today. It would

take may be two or three years to get the expertise in general

practice, but some GPs could be doing this work. You could easily

move specialists into communities however. The current health review

will impact on how and where GPs operate in future. Surgeries may be

expected to merge, but like here in east Belfast, there are seven

individuals Sir trees along Springfield Road. That adds

additional cost. There are not additional funds, and they realise

work has to be done. The service cannot be run the way it has been.

It must be more efficient and run in a different way. Some practices

are already moving in the direction that he would like. Here in east

Belfast, instead of waiting for a hospital appointment, patients can

be treated for his ear, nose and throat problems. From those we see,

and discharged from our clinic, it is 97 per cent. Very much shorter

waiting times. Can savings be made by shifting services from a

hospital to a community setting? According to figures from the

Bradford surgery, yes. It has saved the local health economy there over

�115,000. That is all very well. It is fine in principle and what we

should be trying to do. In England they have incentive eyes things by

putting money in Sirte that the GPs have more money and money can be

saved from the hospital budgets. In Northern Ireland, as I understand

it, we are not thinking about models of that kind. But it is good

common sense and it will happen. There are aware that it must be

realistic. In order to bring a service like this one to a surge

Rhynie you, money will have to be transferred away from hospitals and

into GP practices instead. While that is good news for doctors, it

could put a question mark on operations for some hospitals.

Our viewers' panel gives us an insight into what some of our

audience think about a wide range of subjects. It's a sample of

opinions across Northern Ireland. This week we have their views on

the health service. Looking at seven services including A&E,

prescriptions and hospital car parking our question was what they

would 'least be willing to pay for'. 28% of those asked said the last

thing they'd want to pay for is a visit to the GP. And while almost

everyone - 98% - told us they would go to their GP rather than to

accident and emergency if the relevant services were available

and surgeries were open longer. Thank you to our audience panel for

taking part in that. All week you've been getting involved with

the debate on the future of the health service on our social media

pages. There's Facebook, where today there has been chat about how

the GP's surgery could offer more services and hospitals less.

There's quite a bit of concern about any potential impact on

waiting times to see a doctor and you can also let us know what you

think on Twitter and on BBC Newsline email. And tomorrow on the

programme, the Health Minister Edwin Poots will be with us to talk

about the issues we've highlighted this week.

The Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster says she's had no role in

the granting of a licence for gas exploration in Fermanagh and has NO

interest in the issue to declare. The Green Party leader Steven Agnew

wants the First Minister to sack her because she failed to declare

her husband's ownership of land within the exploration zone. Here's

our Political Correspondent Gareth Gordon. Beneath an area covering

thousands of acres may lie the answer to much of our energy

problems. Guess could lurk here, and an Australian exploration

company has been given licence to find it. Extracting that, known as

for King, is controversial. I spent ages looking for solutions for

Northern Ireland, ways to bring gas to the West. Ways to bring an

alternative supply of energy to the people of Northern Ireland. Instead,

the alternative from the Green Party is to sit in a dark room with

a blanket over our heads. Controversy number two, the

minister's husband owns a small piece of land within the zone. Some

claimed she broke the ministerial code by failing to declare an

interest. Something she denies. was granted by officials. I have

had no impact in any of the discussion or granting of licences.

There is no declaration to make. When I get involved in decision-

making, then I will make a declaration. The first minister

this evening gave the minister his support. She has never supported

anybody having that piece of ground for that use. The question was

whether there was a danger, she has a particular view on that subject

which is evident from this, she is trying to push forward to this.

Others feel then is to be more transparency. This is not a

platform for me or anyone else to attack the Minister. We need to be

very careful. I will not be attacking her or embarking on a

witch hunt. What we need to see our facts. It is not about hounding the

minister. The Assembly committee has asked to meet the minister next

week. You can see the rest of the interview on BBC2 at 7:30pm. A

businessman from Londonderry has said he thought he and his family

would be killed during a robbery at their home. Three gunmen broke into

Kevin Doherty's house at Bridgend in County Donegal on Sunday evening.

Mr Doherty, his wife and 18 month old daughter were held at gunpoint,

while the men searched the house. He was then bundled into a van and

forced to hand over six thousand pounds of cash and cigarettes from

his business. An attempt to annul the bankruptcy

of Fermanagh businessman Sean Quinn, will be the subject of a two day

hearing in Belfast next month. Mr Quinn owes the former Anglo Irish

Bank more than 2 billion euros. He's told his local newspaper he's

determined to fight on and rebuild his family's reputation. From

County Fermanagh, Julian Fowler reports. The Irish bank resolution

company, the new name of Anglo Irish Bank is trying to annul the

bankruptcy in Belfast and retrieve the debts the Quinn family owners.

His barrister told today's hearing that it would take several weeks to

prepare for the case, but will now be heard over just two days before

Christmas. For a man who avoids the media glare, he has given a

revealing insight to a local newspaper. He talked about being

very her after losing his empire. Some very personal feelings. Since

losing his businesses. He seemed very hurt but very determined that

he was going to be built his empire. He tells the newspaper he feels a

sense of injustice over what He told the paper he intends to

write at tell-all book about his business empire been stripped from

his control. He also says that we have not seen the last of the

Quinns as he attempts to restore the family name.

Still to come - Ireland get off to a roaring start at golf's World Cup.

And the unique insight into life on board the Titanic.

In just over three years' time, the Tall Ships first set to sail into

Belfast again. But now, it is the Titanic that is getting to us

talking. Building work on the memorial is

almost completed ahead of the ship's commemoration next year.

That is why a major travel magazine has lost a Belfast as one of the

places to visit in 2012. The Tall Ships are coming back and

while many of us will look forward to seeing them again, it is the

Titanic that really has Belfast in the spotlight. We are told to

expect an influx of international visitors in the spring. The

National Geographic magazine Hill Belfast as one of the top travel

destinations in the world. Also on the West a Columbia, oh man and

Central Africa. So, why here? why not ex permission mark -- well,

why not! It is this anniversary of the Titanic, the hundred

anniversary this year. Also, it is like that place that has not been

trampled by tourism. I loved its purity. The accolades do not end

there. The Financial Times has listed Belfast as one of the top 10

places in the world to hold or conference. Have they got it right?

We are actually rule, compared with Rome, Paris and New York. From that

point of view, I think it is pretty ridiculous! -- role. We're in a

very good position coming into 2012 to capitalise on this. Nobody

wakens up and decide, you have to go to Belfast. We have to exploit

these accolades and market our city because we are in excellent

destination, we are great value and now is the time to come to Belfast.

Whether you think the reports have got it right or wrong, it is

looking like 2012 is going to be busy in the city.

In a few minutes, we have remarkable photographs from a

passenger on the Titanic who was ordered off the ship just before it

set off across the Atlantic. And news today that the birthplace of

the Titanic, Belfast Harbour, has started to create a new terminal

which will harness the power of wind turbines. It will create over

100 construction jobs. The terminals and expected to be

finished within the next 12 months. We know that drinking is bad for

your health and we know that, the younger you are, the worse for your

health but getting that message through to teenagers has always

been a trial. Over a period of 32 months, we followed approximately

3,000 young people. They were split into two groups. One was given a

special programme on the other was given special -- normal curriculum

provision. Over time, we saw that one group had a better knowledge of

alcohol, they were exposed to West harm caused to the cells and less

harm from the environment. -- cost That was funded by the Public

Health Agency. For many parents out there, talking to their teenagers,

it is quite a challenge getting the tone right. This seems to have

reworked. What is the secret? programme is very practical and

realistic. It engages people about it issues which they face at the

weekend and during the week. That is its key. The other bit of that

is about supporting parents and the number of years ago, we launched a

media campaign around you, your child and alcohol. That contained

additional information for parents. The key messages around that are,

start talking to your children about alcohol as early as you can,

talk to them about the risks and the dangers and due expectations

around whether, at what age parents expect in terms of young people's

behaviour around alcohol. younger the start, the more damage

they do. That has been Provan. is. The evidence would suggest that

children should have totally alcohol-free lives up until the age

of 14 and ideally, up until the age of 18. But the key thing is, get

talking? The key thing is, get talking. Thank you.

First, we have the Gulf News. Two of our brightest stars are trying

to were of -- trying to win a world Championship this week.

The dynamic double-act are trying to go one better this year after

finishing runners up last year. Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell Y

in the second place after today's play. Here is what the pair had to

say. It seems to be a pretty nd -- pretty windy island. The forecast

is for the wind to continue to blow. This is a tough golf course here.

You have to control your iron play coming into the greens. It gives us

the opportunities to set up birdies. The format of the four balls is

that you need to hang around and not used to it -- not lose too much

ground. This tournament is won and lost in the foursomes. Our mind

said was, as long as we were in a few short of the lead, we were in a

good position. Now the Northern Ireland men's

football team may not have made it to Euro 2012, but the women have a

great chance of qualifying. They have completed a successful double

header of matches, beating Norway and drawing with Hungary.

Northern Ireland continued their fine run of form last night, taking

a first athlete. It is a really exciting time with Northern Ireland.

We are a young team and we are building on those performances and

starting to show more maturity so that we can beat teams within the

top 10 in Europe. Despite too late Hungarian draws -- Hungarian goals

denying the team victory, it was a good result following their

remarkable result against Norway. We did not have many expectations

and I had the gut feeling before the match that, one of these times

against the top nations, we would get a good result and it just

happened on Saturday night that everything went our way. They had a

better than I'd made in defence. Our goalkeeper put us through. We

had them on the counter-attack. Northern Ireland are now third with

a game in hand on the leaders Iceland and Belgium.

The women showing the men how should be done. I knew would enjoy

that! Imagine you had taken dozens of

pictures of the world's most famous ship just days before it had sank.

And then you were asked not to talk about it so that the tragedy could

fade from memory. That is just what happened when an

Irish Jesuit priest, who had been on board the Titanic, was told in

1912. The story of the Titanic's

passengers is the tale of how fate intervened to save some and condemn

others to the waters of the Atlantic. One of those lucky enough

to get off the ship before it sank was Father Frank Browne. He was a

Jesuit student priest and a keen photographer. Whilst he was on the

liner from Southampton to Cherbourg and back to Queenstown, now Coven

county court, he took scores of pictures. -- now Cobh in County

Cork. One of my favourite is this one, showing the anchor coming up

for the last time. It was never lowered again. This also shows the

part of the Titanic that actually hit the iceberg. The photos other

fantastic record of the luxury liner and were used by movie

director James Cameron to recreate the ship for the Hollywood

blockbuster. Each tells its own poignant story. The child and

father in this image had a terrible fate, both of them died after being

saved from the Titanic. Father Frank Browne wanted to go on to New

York but when he telegraphed his religious order for permission, he

was ordered off the ship. He said it was the only time holy obedience

had saved a man's life! We are going to have a bit of

everything. Strong winds and rain are coming in over the weekend. As

we go through the night, that so rain will clear away. A chilly

night in prospect. We hold on to the strong winds. They will stay

with us tomorrow. It will be unsettled as well for a while.

There will be some rain piling in from the West, with those strong

winds. Elsewhere, it will be a dry a picture, not as dull as grey as

today. As a result, we will see more in the way of sunshine. Strom

winds and noticeably colder tomorrow. -- strong winds. It will

be at a further hats, scarves and It will be a cold night in some

places. Eventually, we will begin to see outbreaks of rain during the

early hours of Saturday. It will be very windy through to Saturday,

with gale-force gusts of wind at times. Because of any wet weather