23/10/2012 BBC Newsline

Hello and welcome to BBC Newsline. The headlines this Tuesday evening.

We hear the human cost as over �100 million is spent settling medical

negligence claims. Jenny will never be back as the same person and

there is no money in the world that can bring him back. A man accused

of leading the Real IRA walks free from court for a second time. How

the man charged with murdering baby Millie explained why her blood was

on his clothes. Two fishermen are rescued after their boat sinks off

the County Down coast. I'm live with the details. A win for

Coleraine against Linfield leaves the title race wide open. It was a

mild 15 degrees today but will temperatures be the same tomorrow?

Find out shortly. �116 million of public money has been spent

settling medical negligence cases here over the last five years. The

figures have been revealed in a report by the spending watchdog.

Dealing with all the cases which are going on at the moment could

cost even more. And on top of that, there are the lasting human costs,

as Chris Page reports. Four-and-a- half years ago, James Stewart went

into hospital with chest infection. He suffered brain damage after a

series of mistakes by staff and the Belfast Health Trust expressed

regret. His family care for him in his home in west Belfast. They have

taken legal action which is still not fully resolved. No money in the

world will ever bring him back. All we want is for things to be right.

There are mistakes in everyday life. But he will never be back the same

person. There is no money in the world that can bring him back. This

is the consequence. Now, the financial cost of negligence to the

health service is clear. The spending watchdog has found that

the bill for settling claims was �116 million over the last five

years. Of that, �77 million was compensation, the rest was made

above legal and administrative costs. The report estimates that

case is currently in the system could cost the Department even more.

Up to �136 million. The solicitor who is involved in a number of

negligence cases says the sums are not surprising. It is because of

the cost of care, in medical negligence cases and catastrophic

cases is very high. If it goes over a long period of time, you find

that makes up the bulk and you find that with birth defects and so on,

that is over a young child and over the cost -- course of their life.

The report says that Northern Ireland's Health trusts provide a

high standard of care but it says that reducing the number of

incidents where patients are put at risk is our responsibility for the

trusts and the Department of Health. To do that, it says they should

have a culture in which incidents can be reported easily, honestly

and without fear of blame. The Health Minister says his department

will consider the findings as part of ongoing work to ensure that

services are safe, effective and Patient focused. But he says it

would be inappropriate to comment further. Because the report is

likely to be the subject of a hearing by the Assembly's Public

Accounts Committee. Linda Stewart and her family are hoping their

case will be settled next month. Whatever money is involved, the

personal cost of what has happened is impossible to estimate for them.

A man accused of being one of the leaders of Real IRA has had

terrorism charges against him dropped. It's the second time that

Kevin Barry Murphy has walked free from court after facing serious

charges. Niall Blaney reports. This is the man that police described as

the leader of the Real IRA in East Tyrone and a member of its ruling

army council. This afternoon, Kevin Barry Murphy walked free from a

court in Armagh after the Public Prosecution Service withdrew the

charges against him. He had been accused of involvement in an

alleged bomb-making factory discovered in South Armagh in April

last year. The 41-year-old was arrested after searches in Keady

uncovered components used for home- made bombs. Mr Murphy from Altowen

Park in Coalisland always denied his involvement. Consistently for

14 months, we have denied this and asked one every hearing in front of

this judged to produce this evidence, produce any evidence of

any sort or release us on bail. We have been consistently denied all

of this because the truth is, somebody said we were guilty of

something without evidence and that that isn't tantamount to internment,

nothing is. In 2004, Mr Murphy was one of four men acquitted of

conspiracy to murder members of the security forces. They claimed they

had been set up by an alleged informer, Gareth O'Connor. His body

was discovered in a car in Newry canal in 2005. Today, charges

relating to the bomb-making factory were also withdrawn against four of

Mr Murphy's co-accused, three of whom remain in custody on separate

alleged offences. Two fishermen were at the centre of a dramatic

sea rescue this morning when their trawler sank 12 miles off the

County Down coast. The Ardglass registered boat, the Snowdonia, was

off Kilkeel when it got into trouble. Julie McCullough is in

Kilkeel tonight. What more do you know about what happened? I can't

tell you that the two men had been fishing for prongs this morning and

their boat, Snowdonia, started taking on water. To save themselves,

they actually jumped into the water and assured time later, the boat

completely sank. Thankfully, another fishing boat was in the

area and it was able to take both men are on board. As Andrew

McConnell from Kilkeel lifebuoy explained, by that time, both men

had been in the water for around him minutes. When we got there,

they were on board, the crewman was in the Calais with a coat around

him and the skipper was in the wheelhouse. He was in a bad shape

with hypothermia, and he was freezing with the cold. Shaking.

Because of concerns for their health, they decided to get the

coastguard helicopter from Dublin to get the men to Daisy Hill

hospital as quickly as possible. The good news to the story is that

both men have since been discharged. Back to the studio. Thank you very

much. Still to come on the programme. Is Derry on your list of

dream destinations? We'll be finding out why it's the place to

be. The man accused of murdering Millie Martin told police that he

had blood on his clothes from his attempts to resuscitate the toddler.

The trial also heard that when Barry McCarney was arrested he told

the child's mother, Rachael Martin, to trust him. Barry McCarney said

he returned to the house after taking Millie Martin to the Erne

Hospital. He wanted to pick up close for Rachael Martin and

collect her teddy bears to bring to Belfast. He said he had put on

trainers as he had left the house in his socks and that he changed

his top as there was blood on the sleeve. He said he had nicked

Millie's lip when he was breathing into Millie's mouth to resuscitate

her and that he had wiped his mouth on his sleeve. The previous day he

said Millie wasn't eating and that Rachael was completely stressed. At

home he said Rachael burst into tears and he comforted her. He said

he had a very good relationship with Rachael and that they were

also very good friends. He said Rachael would use his nickname when

putting Millie to bed, asking if she had a kiss for Barry Budgie.

She always does, he said. Even though he had two children of his

own, he told police he had never once in his life changed a baby's

nappy. He said he sometimes looked after Millie while Rachael was at

the shop but he was never left alone with the toddler for more

than an hour. When he was arrested by a policeman on suspicion of

raping Millie, Barry McCarney said he told Rachael, don't listen to

what he says, trust me. The School of Dentistry at Queen's University

has been severely criticised by the UK body which regulates dental

professionals. Following a re- inspection of the school, the

General Dental Council said only limited progress had been made and

the programme remains in a fragile state. The head of the medical

school says the teaching accreditation for dentistry is not

at risk. Marie-Louise Connolly reports. For students enrolled, it

is a tough five-year programme where medical knowledge is mixed

with clinical experience. Part of Queen's University, Northern

Ireland's only dental training school, is based in the Royal

Victoria site in Belfast but after members of staff faced concerns

last year, the standard of teaching and the level of funding was

inspected by the General Dental Council, the UK body which

regulates the profession. Following a reinspection in 20th March 12,

the inspectors' report talks about the slow pace of progress in an

environment where staff morale is low. It highlights lack of

leadership and that many senior academic posts remain unfilled.

Queen's University says improvements have been made,

including attempts to find staff and improving the overall student

experience. And they insist they are not at risk of losing their

teaching accreditation. I actually believe that but all the activity

going on a the moment, led by the University, the course is sound and

that is a comment that came from the chief executive of the General

Dental Council. Four years ago, the school was full to the best in the

UK and those in the field say it's paramount that standards are

maintained to attract the best to combat teach and work in Belfast.

The school is really important in the lives of dentists in Northern

Ireland from the point of view of teaching, postgraduate teaching to

those dentists, the research the school provides and the service to

patients that is consultant lead and that's very important. Why the

report describes as good as being fragile, the inspectors also said

that the programme should continue it to be deemed sufficient. However,

if that is to continue, they want to see evidence that certain

requirements have been met when they return it next year to carry

out another inspection. San Francisco and Amsterdam are at the

top of many people's dream holiday destinations but what about

Londonderry? It has joined those two tourism powerhouses as one of

the world's top cities to visit in 2013. The recommendation is made by

a leading travel guide. Keiron Tourish has more. It's the type of

publicity you could not buy. Being placed on a list of one of the best

places to visit next year. According to the Lonely Planet's

Best In Travel 2013 guide, Derry is ranked in fourth position, behind

places like San Francisco and Amsterdam. Naturally enough,

there's a great sense of pride on the banks of the Foyle. It is

fantastic because the city has come on so well in recent years.

Hopefully, it will bring a huge influx of tourists. I just cannot

believe it. I have had a smile on my face all morning. The travel

guide says that Derry is the UK City of Culture in 2013 and it is a

vibrant, historic city undergoing a renaissance. The Lonely Planet

travel guide says it is a brilliant example of a city that has bounced

back from difficult times. A city with heart which shines through in

its exciting arts and music scene. It is described as a place

undergoing a renaissance in the book and we stand by that, this is

a place that people have maybe looked at in the past and thought,

I will not go there now. Go, you'll enjoy it. But can the city cope

with the visitors expected next year? There are challenges but I

feel that we can maximise the opportunities that we have here. It

has been a difficult investment environment for the past couple of

years and whilst we would like more new builds, we have new rooms

coming on board within the next few months and we see that as an

opportunity for the region. During the Troubles, Derry and Northern

Ireland generated the type of images which put people off coming

here. But now it seems there is a different perception of the place.

It is very nice. The people are very nice. I love Derry. It is a

very friendly place. Locals say that friendly attitude and a very

parochial greeting always makes visitors welcome. Here is a flavour.

What about you? What is the crack? There is no doubt that the

publicity generated by the ranking will be seen as a huge marketing

opportunity by those promoting the City. The challenge now, of course,

is to be in a position to cater for all those tourists intent on coming

here next year. Just a couple of weeks ago we told you about this

year's disastrous apple crop in County Armagh, with yields

decimated by the poor weather. But there is a silver lining to the

Orchard County's cloud. Cider. A decade ago there wasn't a single

artisan producer in the county. Now, there are seven and all seem to be

on the up with demand growing relentlessly. Gordon Adair has been

to meet some of those at the core of this boom. A bright cider apple

is a thing of beauty and it is something that is increasingly

inspiring passion. What makes good cider? By good apples. You can make

cider in 10 days, fermenting apple juice. But making it palatable,

with people coming back for, that is the art. This is from Keady,

this is very sweet. David up Richard is one of those practising

that art. We have got to the stage where people want quality product.

They are prepared to pay more for that. Over the next cheers, we

would like to see people coming round and changing to a product

that has a feel that is closer to the Apple itself. Philip was one of

the first artisan producers to set up here. The out, he is the biggest.

They say it's a long-term project and that is an understatement.

patted his first cider orchard in the mid- 1990s but it was one

decade and a have before he could produce commercially on his farm.

Just three years ago, he was producing less than 7000 litres,

and this year? Probably about 120,000 pictures. Because they make

cider from apples and not from concentrate, we have to put down

all of the cider in this next month. We cannot buy apples after that.

They are only available at harvest time. In 2000, he helped form an

association of Mecca's, an association which are still growing.

It is a craft industry, it is very widely available in the West of

England and in France. That is to recreate that value added craft to

the farms. Everybody would prefer to have locally produced food, no

miles, keeping it simple but still having a very high quality and that

is what will decide the success of the project. Providing the cider is

a high-quality and remains a high quality and they will be a huge

market for it. Producers like David and Philip are determined to take

advantage of that market. You're watching BBC Newsline. Later in the

programme. The end of an era as the digital switchover is marked by the

first-ever joint BBC UTV project. Sport and Linfield, usually so

dominant in local football, aren't having it their own way so far this

season. Coleraine are starting to have a real say in the Premiership

season. A five-goal thriller at the Showgrounds saw the Bannsiders

snatch a dramatic 3-2 win over champions Linfield. So, David

Jeffrey's side remain in the lower half of the table, 11 points behind

the leaders. Mark Sidebottom reports. Tough times for David

Jeffrey. 30 trophies in 15 years. Linfield are beset by pretenders to

their throne. Coleraine show the champions little respect with an

early two-goal salvo. Darren boys's clinical opening blow was followed

by a this second thrust from Curtis Allen. When did, the champions

responded. Just like that! before half-time, they had a very

strong claim for a penalty, denied by the officials. They might have

something to say about that. men it looked to have snatched a

point in the dying moments through the foot of Brian Henderson. Only

for her artistry at the other end to secure the win and three points

for the home side. Right at the death! The champions stay in 8th

place, Coleraine are in second. Celtic face arguably the ultimate

challenge in club football tonight away to Barcelona in the Champions

League. Manager Neil Lennon admits that it will be a real test taking

on one of the best sides in Europe, with Lionel Messi, the best player

in the world, within their ranks. don't think I could come up with

any superlatives that will do the Manchester us. But we cannot just

concentrate on him. Pedro, Fabregas, the list is endless. The players

that could be a potential threat but a Lionel Messi it is that bit

special. But we're not here for a holiday. We're here to play

football. And we are going to be in for a very tough 90 minutes but we

want Barcelona to be in for a very tough 90 minutes as well.

organisers of motorcycling's North West 200 say that the success this

year of Thursday night racing means further changes will be made to the

race programme next year. An enthusiastic response from both

fans and riders has led to changes to the festival. The race format

will change, three races on Thursday night, Superstock,

Supersport and the supertwin. Last year, we had racing on the evening

and this year we introduced three races and on the Saturday race day,

five races, including a new race on Saturday. We have taken a lot of

feedback from competitors and the team's to say that they need a

break in the afternoon. Because they have five races. Supertwins,

that should help. They may have lost their injured captain for

eight weeks but Ulster are able to recall another key player, Roger

Wilson, to the squad for Friday's Pro12 game against Newport Gwent

Dragons. Wilson, who began his career at Ravenhill, is set for his

first competitive match of the season since rejoining Ulster from

Northampton. His return is a big boost for his team-mates. It is

going to massive, Berkeley is a great player and he had 100 caps

for Ulster. 100 for Northampton. That speaks of his quality and how

well he can do it. It has been unfortunate with injury but you can

see a real impact from him. That will be live on the BBC on Friday.

Finally, congratulations the Northern Ireland women's under 19

side who have beaten Hungary 3-2 to guarantee qualification for the

Elite stage of UEFA European Championships in the spring, one

stage away from the finals. The Republic of Ireland and Scotland

women's teams have also made it through. It really is the end of an

era as Northern Ireland completes the digital switchover. The

analogue signal will be turned off later tonight. That means no more

BBC One, BBC Two or the commercial channels unless you have digital TV.

And to mark what really is a technological milestone, the first

ever joint BBC-UTV programme will be broadcast tonight as Natasha

Sayee reports. The BBC's Blackstaff studio is buzzing as the camera

crews get ready for tonight's special programme. While we say

goodbye to the old analogue channels. Yes, there's a touch of

nostalgia. But it is a celebration, too, looking back at best of local

television over the past 60 years. It does not matter if you are 18 or

20, there is something there for you that you will remember from

your past and the music and the clips and those personalities

involved. It is a real trip down memory lane and visually, it will

not happen again, and we are looking at the past but with this

switchover, we'd move seamlessly into the future. Plus there's a

chance for you to get involved we want to know your most memorable TV

moment. Here's what you can choose from. I had to go to the Minister

at Stormont to fight for fair play. Don't you argue with me. I'm the

Pope! Thank you very much! sorry, this is my traditional route.

I would just pass on, here. Traffic wardens are hardly a Belfast

phenomenon. Ph.. Phe... Phenomenon! A this is a Dublin train. I'm going

to take part in a protest in Ballymena. You can vote for your

magic moment online. Of course, there's an important message coming

out of all of this. The fact that at 11.30pm tonight, all analogue

channels will be gone. People will have more choice, things like high-

definition broadcasting and other ways to incorrect but the same

great programmes we have all this produced. Today, the talent, the

producers, we have come together to make one programme for the audience,

current affairs and light entertainment, things that made

television great over the last 60 years. The Magic Box will be shown

on BBC One NI and on UTV tonight at 10:35pm and if you are still stuck

in the switchover process and need some help, there are advice points

across Northern Ireland, including outside Belfast City Hall and

outside the Guildhall in Londonderry tomorrow and Thursday.

Giant haystacks gets my vote! Now We say goodbye to the old graphics

on Ceefax but we shall keep you up- to-date. Today, we reached

temperatures of 15 degrees, above average for this time of year so

not too bad. We have a lot of cloud around at the moment and as a

result, that will act like a blanket. Many areas will not fall

below double figures. It's a mad night. Some countryside areas, in

the West, could run and that. That brings us into tomorrow and it will

be a rather cloudy day as that cloud sticks around, perhaps not as

sunny as in some places but it shall be mainly dry. To begin with,

lots of cloud, easily wind feeling cooler on the Antrim coast but in

the West, not bad. The cloud breaking up eventually for the

afternoon and a lulling hazy sunshine to come through.

Especially in the West but even in parts of Antrim and County Down and

County Armagh, one or two bricks. Temperatures, 13 or 14 degrees and

in any sunshine it will fade better than that. We end on a pretty

decent note with the chance of damp weather towards the south-east but

for most people, it's a dry end to the day. Tomorrow night will be

colder. 10 or 11 degrees, tomorrow, seven or eight degrees. They will

be a chill in the air. Thursday will be colder. 10 or 11 degrees

for most of us. The easterly wind keeping it feel cooler. It's a dry

day with the best chance of damp weather across the east over Antrim

and down and perhaps parts of Armagh. It will be colder overnight

into Friday and that is when we begin to taste the first Arctic. It

will feel cold from Friday and into the weekend. Temperatures barely

getting up into seven or eight degrees. As you can imagine, it

will be pretty chilly at night. We will keep you up-to-date, follow us