15/02/2017 BBC Newsline

Good evening, the headlines on BBC Newsline:

No return to a hard border is a matter

of vital national interest, according to the Taoiseach in

at three police officers who've taken personal injury

It is bad enough with three criminal cases coming up then having this on

top of it as well. Another investigation

into this Dunmurry care home, the first of its kind,

by the Commissioner for Older People After a study of professional

footballers, how safe Several hundred join

a protest about lack of job certainty for youth leaders due

to no Budget being agreed. We spend the day with

Jonathan Rea as the reigning world superbike champion gears up

for an unprecedented three in a row. The milder weather has arrived

and it looks like it'll hang around I'll have all the weather

details later. The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said

it's a matter of vital national interest that there's no return

to a hard border when Mr Kenny was making a major speech

on the implications of Brexit, saying it poses a serious threat

to the Republic's He described the forthcoming

negotiations as the most significant that Ireland has faced

as an independent state. And he's warned that if no Executive

is formed after the election, Northern Ireland's concerns

will struggle to be heard. Here's our Economics and Business

Editor, John Campbell. Enda Kenny was speaking in Dublin.

But his speech was aimed at many audiences. Irish voters, fellow EU

leaders and a warning for the Stormont parties. With the

dissolution of the Assembly, there is a very real danger that the

absence of political leadership in Northern Ireland will lead to a

retreat to partisan debate and an even greater marginalisation of

Northern Ireland's concerns. The Brexit process will not wait for

another round of lengthy tome that Stormont. The future of the border

will be one of the toughest Brexit issues. Neither the British nor

Irish governments want a return to arrangements such as this. But

finding a way to keep the board at its current invisible state will not

be straightforward. For example, there will be have to be some form

of customs checks. One of Enda Kenny's biggest challenges will be

convincing the EU leaders the border should not be hardened. That Irish

Government will oppose a hard border. They will argue for free

movement on this Ireland, seek European Union funding for

cross-border projects and protect the rights of European Union citizen

is whether from North or South. And the Taoiseach was not playing down

the potential consequences for the Republic's economy. Brexit is a

serious, direct threat to Ireland's economic prosperity. Potential

impacts are profound. Key sectors, such as agriculture, food, fishing,

all face particular risks and challenges. Hanging over these

beaches the question of who will be speaking for Ireland as Mr Kenny's

leadership comes under pressure. A reference there to

a Taoiseach under pressure. Tonight in the Dail,

he faces a vote of confidence over his and his government's

handling of the scandal of false smears circulated

about a Garda whistle-blower, Our Dublin correspondent

Shane Harrison joins us. Shane, bring us up to speed

with political developments there? Enda Kenny made that Brexit speech

in the Mansion house in Dublin where the first Dail met and proclaimed

Irish independence. And immediately after it, he headed for a meeting

with independent ministers, members of the Independent Alliance, members

of his Government, to make sure they will vote with him into my's

confidence vote. They will, but their prize is an international

policing expert to review Garda operations. A confidence motion will

be tabled within the next half hour and a vote is taken shortly after

10pm. The Government will win it and Enda Kenny will survive, because it

will be abstained in line with a party's three Budget confidence and

supply arrangement. Well, barring unforeseen

circumstances he will almost certainly be Taoiseach in March when

the Brexit negotiations are expected to begin. After tonight's vote,

there cannot be in confidence one until after six months. That provide

an opportunity for Enda Kenny to call time on his Premiership or

indicate a time frame for when he is going to stand down. The Republic

came close to a general election at this week, he himself said he will

not lead them into the next election and many in the party were really

worried and scared about the possible general election, given the

leadership issue has not been resolved. Brexit negotiations will

take at least two years and it's almost impossible to see him being

Taoiseach by the time of the conclusion of those negotiations.

What we can say with some degree of certainty is the ticking clock on

his years is getting louder. Thank you.

A Belfast man has been jailed for 11 years for causing life-changing

injuries to a young woman after he assaulted her with

The judge, who sentenced 22-year-old Aaron Hyland

from Katherine's Road in Ballymurphy, said the violence

used against the woman, who is now 25, was "sickening".

Hyland admitted causing the woman grievous bodily harm

A charge of rape was allowed to remain on the books.

Police welcomed the sentence and praised the strength and dignity

shown by the victim. We hear about the problems faced

by the new Enniskillen A man from Newcastle who was held

at knife-point in his home and had his car stolen says he feels

victimised again by personal injury claims made by

three police officers. They were in a car which was hit

by Terence Duffin's stolen car. When Terence Duffin's, stolen it was

traumatic enough. But months later, it was written off in a police chase

and he has had more unexpected news. He's received three personal injury

claims from police officers. I just couldn't believe this was happening

to me. They told me they would send me for details of all claims when

the whole thing is settled, I reckon that will be about September and

then I will see where my claims bonus stands. -- no claims bonus. I

just have to live with it. It is bad enough with the criminal case coming

up, without this on top of me as well. The police chased the car from

Newcastle to Belfast. It was here the two cars collided. We asked the

PSNI for -- if it was in practice for police to make civil claims

against owners even if they went in the car at the time. They said they

did not hold this information and each incident would depend on

individual circumstances. They said it will be a private matter between

the individual officer, like any other citizen injured by a stolen

car and the insurance company involved. This solicitor says this

is the officer's only option if they are hard to our duty by an uninsured

driver. The police officers would have to show that they've been at

fault in some way or they've caused the accident or failed to put

safeguards in place to protect them when they were on duty and in this

situation, the accident was caused as a result of the negligence, and

ensure drivers who are stolen the vehicle. In that situation, a claim

against the PSNI would not likely get off the ground, because there is

no negligence on their part. Terence has now replaced his car and is

waiting to see just how high his next insurance bill will be.

In a statement this afternoon the PSNI said the officers are not

claiming against the victim's insurance, they are claiming

The PSNI said it was a matter between the insured person

and the insurance company whether or not the incident

would be treated as a claim under their policy.

Now an update now on a story we brought you in December.

It involves a failing care home on the outskirts of Belfast.

Dunmurry Manor has already been closed to new admissions

and is under investigation by the south eastern health trust.

Today another separate investigation was launched by the Commissioner

for Older People in Northern Ireland.

He says he's been prompted to take action after receiving complaints

from family member and former employees about poor

This care home opened in 2014. It specialises in caring for older

people with dementia. But repeated inspections have found problems with

the standards of care. In December, BBC Newsline interviewed a relative

of Annie McCourt, who passed away November. The 89-year-old woman fell

out of bed in Dunmurry Manor, but her family were not informed until

nine hours later. Totally unacceptable. My grandmother was

nearly 90, she had Alzheimer's dementia, she should have -- they

should have informed us immediately. This at the home was not meeting the

required standards and it has stopped new admissions until it

does. Several health trusts place client C. The south-eastern health

trust is leading an investigation on behalf them all and has put trust

staff on site. Today, another investigation. The first of its kind

by the commission of all the people. I think about to take this action

following complaints both from relatives of older people based in

the home and also members of staff who worked there. In carrying out

this investigation, it is to ensure older people are receiving a high

quality of care and the treatment that they need. This latest

investigation will report before the summer. In a statement, the company

that runs Dunmurry Manor says, they were surprised to learn from the

media that the Commissioner for older people had initiated an

investigation and it said it has already improved in many areas of

service provision. Over two years after concerns were first raised

about this care home, residents of Dunmurry Manor barring a home which

is still failing to meet the minimum standards of care, with two

investigation is now underway, home is under intense scrutiny.

The question of whether repeated blows to be head in football can

cause long-term brain damage as long shovelled -- baffled scientists. The

first time now, researchers say they found possible link. Scientists from

University College London and Cardiff University studied the

brains of 60 seat players, all of whom had developed dementia in later

life. -- six deceased players. Heading the ball is an important

skill for any footballer. But could it be causing long-term damage? In

this latest study, scientists looked at the brains of six lifelong

footballers. Four of them showed signs of the brain injury, known as

CTE, linked to repeated blows to the head. I could see how they could be

a correlation between heading a very heavy ball constantly all being hit

on the head and dementia, I'm just not so sure in the modern-day game

with the modern-day football is if that would be the same. The science

is far from certain. But those behind the study at midday can't

definitively proven in between heading the ball and dementia.

Football has changed a lot since the six players involved in this

research last played. The four balls are now much lighter and there is a

greater awareness around competition. While this study did

not analyse the risks to young footballers, organisations like the

Professional Footballers' Association have recently called for

a ban on very young players heading the ball. It is quite interest in

the process they have taken, that it is illegal for those under ten to

head the ball. If they do, a free kick is given against them and

restrictions in place for an 11-13 -year-olds. Is quite alarming and we

need to look at the scientific approach. If it does affect me in

later life, I will have to take care of it. You always have to be

careful, but you don't know when you could possibly virtual neck and

sometimes it can be scary. The study has prompted calls for research into

a long suspected issue in the sport. A spokesperson for the Irish

Football Association said while research finds no definitive link

between CTE and heading to the football, we support the call for

further large-scale study in this area.

The families of three children who suffer from a severe muscle

wasting disease have been told they are to receive a drug which may

BBC Newsline featured their story last month.

While one child had started the treatment in December the other

three families accused the Minister and the Belfast Health Trust of

denying the drug to their children, who have the same condition.

The families say they are delighted with the decision and are hopeful it

It will make a huge difference and mean she can hold her head up,

they'll be more muscle control and she will be able to use her arms and

play with her toys herself and could potentially allow her to walk.

Sinn Fein's Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill has rejected DUP

calls for the controversial Petition of Concern to be scrapped.

Ms O'Neill said the mechanism IS needed to protect the rights

She was speaking at the launch of Sinn Fein's election manifesto

and our Political Correspondent Enda McClafferty was there.

Michelle O'Neill's first priority today, funny enough, was not in the

party manifesto. High heels and high stools she told the press team do

not go well together. No, she made it clear, do Sinn Fein and the DUP.

We have public concern and outrage in relation to the design of this

scheme and we know it has been of the DUP's making. Whilst there is a

cloud hanging over Arlene Foster, she should not take up the position

and we will not support her in a position of Deputy First Minister in

executive office. Those divisions have spread to the use of petitions

of concern. Arlene Foster said the mechanism should be scrapped, but

Michelle O'Neill says no. Aim is to concern -- the time and to rise.

Others have abused that position to deny people rights. That is an

acceptable. Sinn Fein's manifesto says at 25 priorities, including an

Ireland wide referendum on Irish unity. Also, full implementation of

Inquirer recommendations, securing special starters in Brexit

negotiations, commit equality and respect including an Irish language

act and ensuring both governments on and implement agreements. This is

not a blueprint for Government, but a template of Sinn Fein's 25 key

demands for negotiation which will follow the election on March the

2nd. Judging by the mood here today, the party is in no rush to return to

Hurricane Matthew. -- Stormont. Still to come on the programme:

Jonathan Rea tells us why he believes he can become

the first rider to win the World Superbike Championship

three years in a row. Over 200 youth leaders

and young people held a protest today outside

the Belfast Headquarters Around 100 youth workers

in the city have been put on protective notice as there's

still no confirmation of a youth services Budget for the next year,

as our education correspondent A half term protest in Belfast city

centre. In among the noisy crowd of youth workers and sure if they will

still have a job by April. Were funded until the end of March and

after that, we've been told that the post will cease if there is no

funding guaranteed. That means the youth centre may close. That will

mean myself and other colleagues at Saint Peter 's youth centre will be

out of a job. It will take away any late-night work we do and any

weekend work, too. It will reduce any of the positive impact we make

with young people. The education minister says work like these

people's is vital and he wanted to continue. But until the money is in

place, they are worried. There are 100 part-time workers across

Belfast. This fund has enabled youth centres and projects to provide

outreach. It has enabled the provision of after-school clubs and

we can provision. The education authority has attempted to ease

concerns. They say there has been no proposal to withdraw the money that

pays for these jobs, but also, they say they do not know what the Budget

for next year will be. So although they and the Department for

Education are working on a way forward, the employment contracts

many youth workers are still due to end six weeks. -- of many youth

workers. Some teachers at a school

in Fermanagh are spending two hours Enniskillen Royal Grammar School

is operating on a split site following the amalgamation of two

schools in the town. The principal says the problems

highlight the need for a new school Here's our south west

reporter, Julian Fowler. The amalgamation of these two places

divided the community are now it is a single identity, Enniskillen Royal

Grammar School. But until a new school is built, it will operate on

two sites. Few pupils need to travel, but many teachers have to

make the journey to the opposite side of the town. Their concerns

were raised at a recent meeting with school governors. One teacher said

they spent two hours each week travelling between sites. Another

moves between schools four times a day. Preparation time, lunch breaks

and teaching time or lost. Providing cover for teachers who leave early

or arrive late affects more than 100 classes a week. The school decided

not to amalgamate every year group this year to avoid disruptive pupils

taking exams. The printable says the situation will improve, but can only

be resolved by building a new school. We, as a school, are up and

running. We are making the most of opportunities, we are doing our best

to minimise the impact. But our young people are -- our staff and

community need this new building. It is important it is expedited as

quickly as possible. Last month, the Department for Education announced

that this was the preferred location for a new school. But that's just

the first step. The storm is to be a business case, a design team,

planning permission all before construction -- construction can

begin in that process can take years. This college is all about

delays to a new school project. A site was purchased in 2004, but it

took a decade for an economic appraisal to be approved.

Construction was supposed to start last year and was put back by the

weather. It is now expected the school will be finished in 2019, 15

years late. There is no timetable yet for when this new school will

get a new building and there are concerns the political crisis could

delay decisions that need to be made.

One of our leading motorcyclists is chasing history in 2017.

He has had a great run and this is a big thing,

Reigning world champion Jonathan Rea says he believes he can become

the first rider to win the World Superbike title

The Ballyclare man will begin his challenge next week in Australia.

On a recent brief visit home ahead of the new season,

2016 was a picture perfect year for Jonathan Rea. Trophies, awards and

accolades poured in as he won the world title. All eyes on Jonathan

Rea. Recapture the world Superbike Championship in the Middle East for

the second time in a row and he can't wait to try and do it again.

Jonathan Rea wins the World Championship! The Championship

starts with so many new Riders coming back and it's going to be

pretty tough. But I believe in our ability as a team and as a

manufacturer and it myself, so there are three guys back a winner I feel

like I am one of them is we need to be clever and who knows. So far, he

is very happy with his preparations. I really enjoy the end of last

season and the celebrations and in December we flew out to Australia

with my family to start my pre-season training and the heat out

there, well, everything has been going right. In January, we came

back, hit the ground running and I'm now fully focused on the first race.

In Barcelona his team unveiled the new bicycle for his fresh assault on

the world title. We put the kids to bed on New Year's Eve and my wife

said to me, we wake up tomorrow, are you still world champion? I said I

wanted to forget about that and that's how I want to attack the, not

thinking about the mentor more three in a row, what I think is this is a

New Year, new challenge, new rivals. It is exciting. And few would bet

against him riding some new records in the sport as well. No surprise,

coming here is favourite. -- he is the big favourite.

Ulster Rugby have confirmed that former Lions and Wales scrum-half

Dwayne Peel will join the club next season as assistant coach.

Peel, who will leave his current coaching duties

at English Premiership club Bristol, has agreed a two-year deal

The 35-year-old joins New Zealander Jonno Gibbes who'll

take over as head coach in the summer.

Graeme McDowell returns to action on the PGA Tour tomorrow.

The former US Open champion tees it up at Riviera in California

and after showing glimpses of his best form in the middle

east he's looking to push on in the States.

I'm really looking forward to being back at Riviera. It has been about

four years since I've been there. I really like the course. Two good

weeks in the Middle East really feel like my game is trending in the

right direction and I'm looking forward to going out to Los Angeles

and then ponder the week after, so two weeks on golf courses where I

feel like I can compete. Tiger pulling out of LA is a big

disappointment, but always a great place to play golf. Looking forward

to getting into the season and competing and I feel like the game's

going in the right direction. Smiling good form. One of that is

your sport. Now let's get the weather,

with Cecilia. Hints of spring in the today, too.

Especially when the sun out. Temperatures peaked at 12 degrees in

the North West and when the sun was out earlier, the daffodils opened up

nicely, too. We will keep the milder weather for the next few days. We do

have some rain at the moment, especially in the North West. After

midnight, that will mostly have gone. Largely dry for the second.

Breezy, but even though the cloud will break, no frost. We are looking

at another milestone tomorrow. The best of the weather will be in the

morning. Quite changeable day. But, there will be sunshine tomorrow

morning. Then, cloud increases from the West from lunchtime. Mostly dry

out lunchtime through Belfast. But as we go West, we beat the thick

cloud and the more persistent showers. The wetter weather will

will get up to 10-11 tomorrow. As will get up to 10-11 tomorrow. As

the rain arrives, it will drop a little. Tomorrow, quite wet, but the

rain moves away and leaves lots of cloud. It stays fairly mild, no

frost. On Friday, we are looking at another fairly dry start. Brightness

here there, especially East. A couple of showers from the south in

the afternoon, but a good part of the day looks like it will be fairly

dry, although rain Friday night. That is the weather frontier, which

should clear quickly on Saturday morning. It looks like a good chunk

of the week and will be fairly dry. The next area of organised rain not

coming into later on Sunday. As far as the weekend goes, there will be a

lots of dry weather in the day, Saturday looks like he will be the

brighter of the two and temperatures will continue to be above average.

Some rain at times, but certainly not a lot and it will stay mild. Our

top story. The Dail is due to begin a debate around out about a

confidence motion about the Government's handling of the scandal

about a Garda whistle-blower. Earlier, the Taoiseach said it is a

matter of national interest there is no return to a hardboard after

Brexit.