05/10/2011 BBC Newsline

This is BBC Newsline. The headlines: public sector workers

face a big hike in their pension contributions.

1,000 to have hospital appointments are cancelled because of a 24 hour

strike. construction fund is fined over

this man's death. Recalled for an increase in our

gold prices to stop been drinking among children.

Recreating the grandeur of the Titanic in a workshop. We have a

special report from New Zealand on island's big push to beat Wales.

As an today may have been wet and windy but at least it is mild. That

is all about to change. Public sector workers face the

height of about a third in their pension contributions. The

Executive has agreed the rise, the Treasury said it would make big

cuts to the Stormont budget if it did not. Scotland has refused to

obey the directive. We have exclusive details. Why has the

Executive agree to this hike? no secret that London wanted public

sector workers to pay 3.2 % more towards their pension contributions

and trade unions have been negotiating over the issue.

Stormont wanted to defer these hikes because public sector workers

are facing freezes, but they got this letter last month warning them

of start cuts in the Budget if they did not agree. In the one, the cuts

would be more than �50 million from the grant. In year two, the rise of

would beat �90 million. There was not unanimous agreement on going

ahead with the rise, was there? I am told by my sources that the

environment minister objected to the Executive agreeing to these

changes and writing a letter to the Treasury to that effect. Other

ministers agreed, Alex Attwood said, why is Stormont doing this? The

Scottish finance minister is objecting. The first minister went

public with a letter and read it in the Scottish Parliament. Our

ministers discussed it behind closed doors. Samuelson, I asked

him if he was rolling over and he said, no. There is no other option

other than to either have the increase or to cut public services.

That is a choice people have to make. People can jump up and down

about it, they can read letters out, they can protest but at the end of

the day they have a simple choice - you either accept what is happening

for all public services across the UK or you cut public services.

Public pension reform is already threatening mass industrial action

in the months ahead. How will record unions react to this

increase? As you say, trade unions who represent public sector workers

are about to ballot over pension issues and other work conditions.

They are not happy, they are threatening what could be the

largest date of industrial action in Northern Ireland's history next

month and I spoke to the Irish, S about what is developing instalment

and he says what this letter showed his the negotiations they have been

having in London are a farce. There was industrial action today

by some of those employees. It meant the postponement of thousands

of hospital appointments. The Health Minister says the backlog

will take weeks to clear. He has called the strike affordable and a

necessary but the striking Unison members say it is the only way to

put the issue of budget cuts under the spotlight. Health and education

workers took part in the walkout. This is the largest picket that has

been held in Northern Ireland today and as you can see, people are

gathered outside the gates. They are porters, nurses, catering staff

and they say they will try to stick it out and tell their strike ends

at midnight. They are getting support from passing motorist but

there has been a lot of disruption and the Health Minister says it

could take weeks to clear that backlog. The Trust estimate that

2,500 appointments were council today.

Hospital staff on the streets rather than on the wards. Doctors

and nurses and the majority were not involved but the Belfast Trust

was the worst affected with some 1,300 appointments cancelled. But

those on the picket line say they had no other choice. My big fear is

bed closures, which lead to job cuts but the people here that are

losing money but the pay freeze, the shops and will suffer, the

whole community will suffer. Emergency staff were not on strike

but some procedures, clinics and surgeries were cancelled forcing

patients back on waiting lists. People who work -- will have to

wait a number of weeks before the situations can be replaced.

Surgeries will be delayed and that has a knock-on effect for thousands

of people. The Union says it is disappointed with the minister's

stance and here in Londonderry, health workers believe the Budget

will bring hospitals to then needs. This government will cut the health

service to the bone and less we fight to stop it. We are here for

the good of the public's health. Patras had 350 cancellations today

but it was not just health service staff. UNISON members who work in

education were also on strike, forcing two nurseries in the area

to close and affecting other schools. We felt really bad. We did

not do this might be because we knew children would have to stay at

home but parents are giving us 100 % support. There was support for

the workers in County Antrim and County Down but in this picket

outside Ulster Hospital's there was anger at the low turnout. People

have a lot to answer for. People they should have been here are not.

We are making a protest for everyone. There was a better

turnout here with workers making a very grim prognosis about the

future of the health service. Some anger that the low turnout at

the Ulster Hospital but that has not been a problem here, despite

the heavy rain. However, the Trust says they will not know until

tomorrow how many of their staff took part in the strike and how

many patients were affected by it. A 19-year-old has been jailed for

life for beating to death a father of aid as he walked home from a

club in Belfast last year. Seamus Fox was found with serious head

injuries last April. Today Gerard Connors from Glenveagh Drive

pleaded guilty to the murder. His barrister said he wanted to

apologise openly for the tragic outcome and to offer his

condolences for what had happened. It is a sign our economy is weak

when you hear that Invest NI his job is to support investment has

not been able to spend all of its budget. It is handing back �17,500

of its grant aid to Stormont because the companies earmarked for

the money are not investing. They have been calls for that underspend

to be handed to smaller businesses. 330 new jobs announced that the

outsourcing firm in Belfast last month but in the same week as this

announcement, the minister was preparing to return a �17.5 million

of Invest NI's budget because it is money it cannot spend. Invest NI

says this is the result of falling business confidence which is

affecting business firms decisions. How has this arisen? Companies that

qualify for grants from Invest NI have to meet certain Investment

timetables to get the money. If their plans slow down because of

the overall economic climate, less money is handed out and a surplus

if team-mates. It is that arms and money that has to be returned. The

first minister Peter Robinson says some of the uncertainty is still

being caused by the banks. worrying aspect is that in many

cases the money is being handed back because while we had a

contribution which we were ready to make towards the expansion of

businesses, the businesses could not get funds from the banks. That

is disappointing. At this small business park in north Belfast,

there was annoyance that some of the money cannot be diverted to

assist small local businesses. is very tough out there. There is

not the same amount of money available as they used to be.

Grants for the majority of business start-ups were removed and with the

current demise of the banks, it is getting harder and harder to get

the money together for stop politicians would like to see a

more flexible approach to spending within government departments.

Treasury rules are such that you cannot spend the money within a

year, then it has to go back. I would like to see that money rolled

over and used productively. Some of the money from Invest NI is being

reassigned to tourism projects. The enterprise is expected to discuss

the issue tomorrow. And Northern Ireland Bolton fan has

been fined �75,000 for health and safety breaches which led to the

death of one of its workers. An architect employed by Henry

Brothers was also fined. The dead man's family said the case had

given their closure. The company says it placed the utmost priority

on the health and safety of employees.

This is 62-year-old father of four, Desmond Stevenson. He died from

chest injuries after her roof fell on him in September 2006. He was a

joiner employed by Henry Brothers. Today his family was in court to

see the construction company fined �75,000. Four two breaches of

health and safety legislation. An architect employed at the time,

Anthoney Stewart, he on the right, was also fined �5,000. The court

heard that the firm had secured a �7,500 contract at the base. Mr

Stevens had only been onside for just over a week when a

prefabricated building collapsed on top of him. He died from severe

crushing injuries. The judge said that it was a serious breach of

health and safety and that she found it difficult to comprehend

how no one understood the risk of collapse. She said she had some

sympathy with Henry Brothers as no experts had brought this to their

attention but added that the accident could have been avoided.

The court heard that while the construction company had accepted

their gills, Mr Stewart had found it hard to come to terms with his

responsibility as project manager. However, the judge said she

accepted his degree of responsibility was much lower than

others who had been on site but who had not been brought before the

court. Outside court, the Health and Safety Executive said there

were lessons to be learned. Designers have responsibility,

architects have responsibility and the responsibility is that of the

Contractor onside. Designers and architects have a responsibility to

ensure what is happening on side is that of plans. Mr Stewart has a

year to pay his fine. Still to come on the programme: is

it the end of the line for this phone box in a brawl Tyrone. I am

in Wellington with the Ireland rugby team. It is now crunch time

With children as young as 11 now drinking, the Public Health Agency

is calling for the price of alcohol to be increased. A survey for a

health awareness group in Londonderry has recorded excessive

drinking among children between 12 and 17. Half of those questioned

said they preferred strong alcoholic drinks like vodka. As

Keiron Tourish reports, a culture of excess is difficult to change.

It's a night of huge celebration in Derry with thousands taking to the

streets to enjoy the festivities. But, while most people go out and

have a good night, many young people are taking alcohol for the

first time. Students say that drink is easily accessible to miners, and

in some cases, it is very cheap. The cost of drink is far too low.

It is pocket money. It is what your mum gives you to go out to the shop.

Any children, especially age of 11 or 12, can afford to get drunk.

three-litre bottle of cider for one pound 50. That is something like 7%.

That is quite a lot of alcohol. It is very dangerous. There are girls

putting themselves in bad situations, men getting into fights.

Can women drink as much as men? This conference hopes to highlight

the dangers of alcohol to young people. In a specially commissioned

research earlier this year, organisers asked 1000 children

between 12 and 17 about their drinking habits. 500 out of 1000

were drinking at least once a week, the equivalent to half a bottle of

vodka and a few bottles of beer in one sitting, which is a lot of

alcohol for one young person. Betters from as young as 12 years

of age. For those in the industry, there is a clear admission that a

lot of people drink to excess. regulatory aspects of Park is for a

landlord PCS you have had too much to send you home. That is no longer

available because people are drinking in the house so there is

no restriction on what they can drink. When it is this cheap,

people to drink more. There is room for legislation to increase the

basic unit price of Algol. It is not the solution, but it is an

important element. Alcohol is far too cheap and far too accessible.

The organisers say the challenge is to everyone to make a positive

difference when it comes to excessive drinking.

Red phone boxes used to be a familiar sight in towns and

countryside alike. Most have now been replaced by the new glass

boxes or taken away altogether. BT says a phone box in rural Tyrone

may be removed if it is not needed. As Louise Cullen reports, the local

community thinks it's a lifeline worth fighting for.

A few days ago, this phone box was operational. They did not take

coins, due needed a phone card, but in an area with poor mobile phone

coverage, if you were in an emergency situation you had access

to some kind of lifeline. But, this morning, I have arrived here and

there is no line. I tried to use the phone a month ago. There were

no coins so I could not use it, but I definitely -- desperately needed

to phone home. In a statement, BT said the phone has generated less

than �10 in the past year. Be Road Service asked for it to be removed

as it was interfering with traffic sidelines on the road. It was

probably not being used enough for them to maintain it, but at the

same time, it is a rural area and it is important that people have a

way of contact if they are in trouble. There is plenty of

evidence to suggest the box has not been used much. Cobwebs in every

corner, the flaking paint, but some say that is not the point. If BT

can assure us that there will be mobile communication Road, which is

a very busy stretch of road, well and good. But until then, don't

even consider removing what is a lifeline. In the nearby Victoria

Bridge people were resigned. It is not that important to have a phone

box nowadays anyway. I have got a mobile phone. It should be left

there. It is nice to see them. There are not many left now.

electricity connection has also been removed. The once familiar red

box is likely to follow soon. The most famous ship which ever

sailed from Belfast had a very famous set of steps inside. Anyone

who's seen a movie about the Titanic will remember the scenes

around the grand staircase. Now, local joiners are building a

replica for the new Titanic visitors' centre in Belfast. Chris

Page's report begins with exclusive pictures of the wreck on the

Atlantic seabed filmed by BBC Newsline's Mike McKimm six years

ago. In front is a huge gaping chasm. As

we gazed down into Titanic's DAX, we realise this is where the grand

staircase once stood. The sum just staircase has come to symbolise the

splendour of the Titanic. Now it is being re created at this workshop.

The replica will be a four-ton a masterpiece of craftsmanship. If

you are wondering what colour the staircase will be when it is

finished, this is the answer. Even at this stage of the project, what

strikes you most is the attention to detail. The staircase will be

made up of 10,000 parts - a meticulous job for the joiners.

Take this panelling. There is four weeks were just in this piece here.

At this curve, you have to make them by hand. Machinery cannot do

that. It takes a lot of time. such a thorough work is the only

way to recapture the intricate design. Thousands of people will

see the finished project. It is going to be put into the banqueting

suite at the Titanic visitors' centre in Belfast. For the family

firm, it is an exciting but daunting task. A bit of shock, I

think. It is a big job to tackle, but when you get going it is not so

bad. When it is finished, the grand staircase will get a grand entrance.

A crane will lift it through the roof of the visitor's centre six

storeys up. It will be a dramatic sight and it will happen in the

next few months. A big job. I would like to see it

once it is in place. Now, the big question of the day. Will Ulster's

Rory Best be fit to play as Ireland's hooker in Saturday's

Rugby World Cup quarter-final in New Zealand? We thought after

injury in the last game he would be out. Austin O'Callaghan is here.

What's happening? They are keeping us and Wales

guessing. That's what's been happening. 48 hours ago all the

indications were that Rory Best would not play in Saturday's

quarter-final due to a serious shoulder injury. But he is in

training earlier today, so your guess is as good as mine. The

Ulsterman has been named in an unchanged line-up for Saturday's

match. This is Wellington. It is wet and wild. It is meant the

springtime here, but it feels more like an autumn day back at him.

That should help the island team. New Zealand's capital is a small

city. There are only 300,000 people here. They expect 70,000 fans for

the quarter finals this weekend, and they are the ones with tickets.

It seemed quite on the streets today, but there is a buzz growing

around this Irish team. In this part of the world, rugby players

are movie stars, and the World Cup is their biggest stage. So far,

Ireland's performances have made everyone sit up and take notice.

But, for these experienced campaigners, it was business as

usual four or their training. Nothing out of the ordinary, and

some promising news on the injury front. Rory Best has made great

progress since Sunday. In a tournament football you have to

take each day as it comes, and he has made nothing but progress since

Sunday. If he keeps going this way, he has a chance. It was

disappointing in 2007, but it would be great to have Rory in there. He

has put in some magnificent performances over the last few

weeks. He adds a bit of experience, too. New Zealander Paul has won

over 100 Ulster caps and rates this Irish side. They are looking pretty

healthy coming into this game against Wales. I give them every

chance of winning. And from the time you were at Ulster, some of

the young guys have matured into world class players, haven't they?

Yes, they have. The likes of Stephen Ferris and Rory. Those to

have been fabulous, I think. They are an integral part of the Irish

team, so I hope they can both stay fit, or as fit as can be, leading

forward. Now it is up to the players. If it came to Ireland and

New Zealand in the final, we do have split loyalties? Absolutely,

but I would be a winner either way. Very diplomatic, but in this World

Cup, anything is possible. And you can follow Gavin's rugby

World Cup diary on our BBC News online website as he meets the

players and fans on his camper fan tour Down Under.

Nigel Worthington is hoping to draft Shane Ferguson in as cover

for the injured Jonny Evans for Friday's Euro 2012 qualifiers

against Estonia. The Newcastle defender has been linked in the

past with a move to the Republic of Ireland. Thomas Niblock reports.

Celtic's Paddy McWatt trained with the Northern Ireland squad this

morning. So, do, did a Rangers, Lafferty. However, definitely out

of both games is the injured Jonny Evans. He won't be here. He has had

this ongoing ankle problem. He did play at the weekend, but the

feeling with his club is that he does need rest and recuperation, so

we accept that and move on. Worthington hopes taking his place

will be Shane Ferguson. After making a substitute appearance two

years ago, Ferguson was considering his international options and

Worthington figured the Newcastle defender may opt for the Republic.

However, Ferguson played in an Under 21 game for Northern Ireland

in August and Worthington is hopeful he may now link-up with the

rest of the senior squad. Shane had a reserve game last night with

Newcastle, so we are hoping to get in contact with him. We have been

tried to get in contact with him. Through the game, hopefully there

will be to medication this morning. The IFA were unable to confirm or

deny whether Ferguson will be linking up with the squad, but what

is certain is that if Northern Ireland don't win on Friday night,

the dream of Euro 2012 qualification is over.

The Republic have arrived in Andorra for their Group B qualifier

on Friday. They are currently training in Barcelona. They could

yet qualify automatically for Euro 2012 if they win their remaining

two matches. The Andorrans are bottom of FIFA's world rankings,

but the Republic will be treading warily none the less.

They have come on a lot in the last couple of years so it will be a

difficult game. They can be a handful. We have got to be really

focused on our job. Sometimes you can only have so many people behind

the ball and we have got to the patient. Hopefully we can create

chances and take them when they come along.

There was disappointment for Belfast amateur boxer Michael

Conlon at the World Championships in Azerbaijan. He lost his

flyweight quarter-final to Andrew Selby of Wales by a single point,

even though the judges awarded him to of the fight's three rounds. But,

despite missing out on a medal here, Conlon is already assured of a

place at next summer's London Olympics. Not bad for a 19-year-

Well, it is going to get much colder later on tonight. If you did

not like today's weather, wet and windy, you won't like tomorrow's

either. And the difference tomorrow is that temperatures will be a fair

bit lower. That tropical air is sliding away. Blues are flooding

down all the way from the Arctic, so much colder tomorrow with

temperatures in most places a good five degrees down on what they were

today. The colder air starting to move in now and it will continue to

get hold of receiving and overnight. The winds are easing at the moment,

but they will pick up overnight with renewed gales along the coast.

Seven degrees in most places and a fair few showers coming along in

that breeze as well. The wind will be stronger tomorrow than today,

with a warning issued by the Met Office. We could possibly have

disruption to travel with gusts up to 60 mph, particularly in exposed

areas. Coupled with a drop in temperature, it may even feel a bit

wintry. Lot of showers in the morning on those gale-force

westerly winds. Some of them heavy, merging to give a longer spell of

rain around the middle part of the day. Hail and thunder is quite

possible, too. With the heavy showers, strong winds and low

temperatures, it really is going to feel quite miserable. Some

brightness in between, say there will be a bit of sunshine here and

there. But it is going to feel cold. The Prince will peak mid-afternoon

onwards with gusts up to 60 mph. Some disruption to the ferry is

almost certain. Eventually the winds will ease later in the night.

So, a little better on Friday. Temperatures coming up a little bit.