04/08/2016 BBC Newsline

The headlines this Thursday evening...

Vulnerable victims need better support from the PSNI,

The cut in interest rates - what it means for homeowners and savers.

A woman is awarded over ?50,000 after being unfairly dismissed

Although I have quite a lot of fight, eventually it wears you down

over time. The town of Portaferry is preparing

for the reopening of its aquarium. Joiners later to find out what is

inside. We found out the plans to rejuvenate this area.

Do we need a digital detox or are we all too hooked

And a few showers in the forecast for tomorrow, but some

The Chief Constable has described an inspection report which says

the police need to do more to protect and support vulnerable

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary also says more needs

to be done to tackle high levels of sickness within the PSNI.

Our home affairs correspondent Vincent Kearney reports.

I was so frightened. Why did you not say something?

The PSNI dealt with 28,000 reports of domestic abuse a year.

It also received around 4,000 reports of missing children.

And helped monitor the welfare of around 40 children deemed to be

The PSNI says tackling domestic abuse and protecting vulnerable

But an independent inspection report says

We are dealing here with people who are the most vulnerable in our

communities. These are women who are assaulted and sometimes murdered in

their own houses. These are children who are being exploited by evil

people. They need the protection of society. The police are one of the

key agencies that can provide that. The HMIC says more training

is needed to improve the way officers deal

with vulnerable people. Members of the policing

board expressed concern after being briefed

about the report this morning. The Chief Constable said he accepts

the findings. Some of that is frankly

uncomfortable reading but we do that as a platform for improvement and

change. -- review that. And insisted that change

is already under way. Training has been delivered for over

350 front line constables to help their understanding of the

safeguarding measures of domestic abuse and what they have to think

about. We have dedicated an additional 15 detectives to help us

tackle the problem of child sexual exploitation.

On a more positive note, the inspectors say the PSNI

uses its resources well to keep people safe and reduce crime.

However, they say its too reliant on officers

And that sickness levels are too high - around double that of other

The PSNI says that's largely because it needs funding

This isn't the first time inspectors have criticised the police approach

to victims of domestic violence and vulnerable people.

Each time there's been criticism, the police have promised to respond

The HMIC inspectors will come back next year to check on progress.

What does today's cut in interest rates mean for you?

The Bank of England base rate has gone down to it's lowest ever level

The bank said it was taking the action in an attempt to boost

growth because the outlook for the UK economy has

weakened markedly since the vote to leave the EU.

Here's our economics and business editor, John Campbell.

If you've bought your house with a tracker mortgage,

today's move means an immediate cut in your monthly repayment.

Let's say you owe ?100,000 over 15 years and your

interest rate tracks 2% above the

Your monthly payment will automatically fall

The top man at the Bank says you should still benefit.

The banks have no excuse, with the announcement today not to pass on

this kind of bank rate. They have to make that point to their customers.

Good news for borrowers but more pain for savers.

For many older people, like this group of Scrabble

players in south Belfast, interest payments were supposed

But in recent years the returns have been meagre.

Up until about four years ago or five years ago, I had some money in

my eyes account and I was getting about 3% on that. When you went in

at the end of the year, you thought there was an extra 100 that you

could get. Now there is no point in having it in a -- ISA. There is no

point in having it. -- ISA. With inflation now forecast to rise

that makes the picture even worse. As a company we expect to see

inflation rise probably even above the 2% target of the Bank of

England. That is not an issue as long as savers are getting the money

that they want. It savings rates are less than 1% and will probably drop

further, inflation may go to two and half percent of the percent in 2017,

that means the value of the savers' money is decreasing and that is a

big problem for them. The Bank of England is indicated it

could cut rates to just 0.1% Three men from Lithuania

say they're moving out, after their home was attacked

in Larne early this morning. One of the residents says he saw

a gang smashing his car and the front window of the house

in Herbert Avenue just after 1am. The attackers also painted

graffiti on the walls. Police are treating it as a hate

crime. Sectarian graffiti has been painted

on an Orange Hall in Lisburn. It's believed the graffiti

was sprayed on the hall The police have appealed

for information and are treating A woman has been awarded over

?50,000 after an industrial tribunal found that she was "unfairly

dismissed" by Belfast The college had also

refused a previous order to reinstate Patricia Flanagan

to her senior post. Our education correspondent

Robbie Meredith has the story. The end of the fight lasting almost

three years, which took its toll. To find yourself in that situation

where you have had your job taking from you effectively for no reason,

eventually, although you have quite a lot of fight and you want to read

the expose what is going on, eventually it does wear you down

after a time. She initially faced the allegations, including fraud.

These allegations were false, had no basis in evidence. Nobody, despite

many, many letters and communication, nobody acknowledged a

recognised they were going through a process that was fundamentally

unfair. Patricia Flanagan was sacked by Belfast Met College March 20 14.

But in August that year and appeal hearing at the Labour relations

agency Balbeggie had been unfairly dismissed and ordered the college to

reinstate her to her senior post immediately. But the college failed

to do that and Ms Flanagan resigned in March 20 15. In April this year,

an industrial tribunal again ruled in her favour, saying she had been

both unfairly and constructively dismissed. She has now been awarded

?55,000 in compensation. Money can never buy back the time that I have

spent on this. It cannot reinstate the damage this has done to my

health. Beasley, there are concerns at how might impact on my ability to

work in the future, thankfully I know what for myself. Belfast Met

College said sorry to Patricia Flanagan. A union says that must

change. The chief Executive and her senior managers or the firm had a

role to play in the dismissal of Patricia, none have apologised and

they should do so immediately. When contacted by the BBC, Belfast

Metropolitan College said they did not comment on personal matters.

A boxer in the Team Ireland squad has been notified that they have

failed a drugs test - this news coming on the eve

of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Rio.

Stephen Watson is in Brazil and has more.

The story broke ironically during today's boxing draw when fighters

find out who they will be taking on in the first rounds of the

competition. There were reports that a male boxer had failed a drugs test

for a banned substance and that has a sample had tested positive. The

Irish boxing coaching team actually only found out about the news during

the proceedings today. They said they were surprised, it is the first

they have heard about the story and would not make any further comment.

But then the last hour the Irish Amateur Boxing Association has

issued the statement. They have said they have been notified by sport

Ireland of the alleged violation of anti-doping rules committed by one

of their boxers in the high-performance unit. We understand

that that boxer had been notified and is provisionally suspended, so

they are out of the games. They have the opportunity of having their B

sample tested but they still cannot box into the outcome of that

investigation is complete. This news could not come at a worse time on

the eve of the Olympic Games, the opening ceremony is tomorrow night

but the boxing set to get underway on Saturday morning. Boxing is team

Ireland's most successful ever spot at the games with 16 medals in the

of the competition and lots more expected this time. But this news

has very much cast a shadow over the beginning of the Olympics. We will

have lots more on the story as we get it.

More from Stephen later in the programme.

Schemes which support vulnerable adults to live independently

are under serious threat - that's according to the Federation

of Housing Association who claim their funding has remained

The Department for Communities has told this programme that it's aware

of the financial pressures and is working to identify

A woman who suffers from mental health problems and who uses

the service in Ballymena says she'd be dead if staff hadn't intervened.

Our health correspondent Marie-Louise Connolly has

Despite suffering pneumonia was around the clock help at hand,

Sandra Campbell has been able to leave hospital and move back into

her supported living accommodation. Four times a day, every four hours.

Sandra moved in almost four years ago when living alone became

impossible. I have tried to commit suicide five times. That is true. It

cannot get worse than that. It cannot get any worse now. Stuff like

Yvonne, who are able to support people like Sandra, to live

independently in the community make a big difference. As the scheme

coordinator she is her go to person but with the cuts in place, our job

is under threat. Things like social inclusion, the activities and

support that begin them on a dairy basis, that would all go. What would

you do -- what would that do to their health? I am not sure, nothing

good. Many men and women across Northern Ireland that independently

in housing schemes like this one in Ballymena. While they have their own

apartment they can still put and shop for themselves with

professional help available 24 hours each day. It is the Department for

Communities that pays the wages of Avon. That funding has been frozen

for nine years. That means that things are getting to a critical

point now where the quality and viability of these schemes are

threatened. Staff courts are increasing significantly with the

living wage. In order to sustain high-quality services to vulnerable

groups and older people we need an immediate 10% increase in project

funding. It is estimated that the programme says the public purse

around ?125 million each year. Tell us what you think on her

Facebook page. Plenty still to come

on the programme, including... As Exploris gets ready to reopen,

we're live in Portaferry to look Cuts to opening hours at 14

of our busiest libraries The minister responsible

has found extra money following a public consultation,

where over 8,000 people This library at Lisburn was one of

those facing a cut ennobling hours of nine hours a week. But its

lenders and users at 30 others made it clear they did not want any

change. We have carried out a consultation process and 8000 people

responded and the clear message was that they wanted the Bible is to be

retained with the opening hours that they currently have. It is an

comment on me as a minister to prioritise and look at the thing is

open to me and my department and are widely small remain open. This was

welcomed. We all sold out the forms and had a say in the library staying

open. I filled out one of the forms, more people that do it, the more

chance of keeping the library is open. They seem to close down

everything for the young ones. The extra money announced today mean

that libraries will have to find economies of just under ?2 million.

Cuts will still need to be made and libraries have said that means not

buying so many new books. The doors of Exploris,

the aquarium and seal sanctuary in Portaferry,

are due to reopen The council-owned centre,

which was threatened with permanent closure,

has been refurbished at a cost What will that mean

for the local community? Well, Donna Traynor is in Portaferry

on the Ards Peninsula. Good evening from Portaferry. I had

a walk around the town earlier and you can see that it has suffered

from the economic downturn, like many provincial towns of recent

years. It has had its fair share of two met and for sale signs but local

people tell me economic prospects here are on the up. More on that

shortly. First to Exploris and when it was opened before, and about

people just visited each year. So what is now in store? Frances

Coleman has had a look around the refurbished centre.

Be afraid, be very afraid. Well, not really. Only two and not fully

grown, this Nile crocodile is one of the new attractions at Exploris. The

normal size one of these would go to would be 60 feet. He has a diet of

fish. We would feed him six fish a week, that is all he needs to stay

alive. Visitors will have the chance to get closer to the fish from home

and abroad at the new centre. Inside here we have two different types of

cat shark, one small spotted one and one greater spotted one. They are

small, native species of shark. We have some sea urchins directly below

me. We have some very impressive looking spider crabs, this is the

biggest type of spider crab that we have around the British Isles. Very

long legs, as you can see. So called because it looks like a spider. If

you have ever visited the aquarium before you will notice a lot of

changes. The biggest change will be the inclusion of the tropical

experience, so the children will be able to come and see many other

fantastic species from across the world. It will be fantastic. Also,

we have and outdoor water in closure, two lovely little otters

which the children can get up and close and personal to and watch them

getting fed. The aquarium is a rescue Centre for Cities or injured

seals. As soon as these babies are better able return to the sea.

Frances Gorman, BBC Newsline, Portaferry.

Portaferry has been busy in recent weeks and has had its annual ala

festival, a food showcase and an international event. Alison and Joe,

a businessman and local councillor join me. Many people comes on a com

what is here for them to stay here, perhaps overnight? An incredible

number of things, but at the wonderful scenery. We have

marvellous history from 1798 up to the First World War, the captains

and sharing ships. We have a historic church which Prince Charles

opened recently. We have lots of sailing events, a lot of historical

tours and talks and walks. Arts and crafts. Everything that would make

people stay as well as lovely food. Exploris has rejuvenated the town,

undoubtedly it will do that, what else is planned? The perception is

that apart from the ferry crossing here, this is an isolated area.

There is that perception but I was at the Ards Peninsula today and I

was back home in 20 minutes. It would have taken me longer to get to

for a site. We are not as isolated as that. We have a great range of

events planned which we want to showcase, we want people to be lies

this is probably not the end of the buying for people to come to to get

that very. By the way, it is known as that famous crossing! But to stop

here. To wander the streets and look at our graveyards, our wonderful

buildings. Joe, as a businessman in the town, how is trade for you and

others? There is no doubt about it, it has been a very challenging time,

particularly the last two or three years for all businesses. Having

said that, I believe we have turned a corner. That is what must happen

here, we can see in Portaferry and obvious increase in visitors to the

area. We always get seasonal tourist trade from March until September,

but we have to try and get events organised from September right

through to March. But more than events, infrastructure is vital for

a time, what is planned? I am working as a councillor for the

infrastructure. We have good infrastructure and investment for

the area. Our roads were deplorable at one stage. There was no way you

could have expected people to come but we have had investment, massive

investment". That is what we need, part of the jigsaw, to put all of

the pieces together to make that important dates in place for the

tourism. Thank you both for joining me. People thought that Exploris Bob

Bird Portaferry back on the tourist map. If you are watching, you will

notice that Angie Phillips has put Portaferry fablet on her tourist

maps. She will hopefully tell is that this beautiful weather will be

set to continue. Back to you in the studio.

Looking lovely down there this evening.

Now, do you find it impossible to put down

In the last year, one in three internet users in Northern Ireland

has actually decided to take a digital detox.

That's according to the communications regulator,

So, is it time to try and switch off?

It is a fixture in our everyday lives. Browsing the Internet on our

phones, tablets and computers. On average, we spent nearly 19 hours

each week online. The Internet has certainly revolutionised people's

lives made things easier, shopping, speaking to family members and watch

at you. A significant number of people in Northern Ireland have said

that they have spent too much time online. The good news is that they

are starting to self regulate and cut down on some activities and

taking a detox in some cases. In order to strike a healthy balance

between the real world and the virtual world, one in three Internet

users has said that they are taking a digital detox in the last 12

months. One out of six people have said they are probably hooked,

whilst almost one out of five Sevilla amateurs were not online. It

has pretty much become subconscious, it is like you just do it, you lift

the phone and then you realise you are on Instagram or Facebook or snap

chat. It has become a subconscious thing in our culture today. I spent

a good amount of time online, especially when you wake up in the

morning, it is the first thing I go to on my phone. I would tell you

that I do spend too much time online rather than being out and about and

doing stuff. I would definitely do is my phone quite a bit. I try not

to but it is difficult. I have never tried to detox. I have never thought

about it but it would probably be a good thing. If I could do the wind

detox, it would be good to detox on Facebook. Never Facebook under the

influence of wine! You have discovered that then? Like

everything I've, perhaps it is to the enjoyed, but in moderation. --

perhaps it is to be enjoyed but in moderation.

Now, sport, and the opening ceremony for the Olympic Games

Stephen Watson is in Rio for BBC Newsline...

The first Northern Ireland athlete in action at these games is archer

Patrick Houston who will compete in the individual competition for Team

GB. The man from Belfast has featured in our final profile of

over 28 Olympians competing at Rio. Even before the opening ceremony

gets underway at the Maracana Stadium on Friday night, another

famous Rio venue will host the archery. Patrick Houston will be the

first of 300 and this strikes -- will be the first of 300 hours the

six strong squad in GP2 get underway.

Although the teams congregate here and they march up this avenue with

massive stands either side. It will be massive. I was there for the test

event, but good, both for the games they have put on more polish. To be

the first Team GB member out there representing the country, I have not

actually thought of that but it will be pretty cool. The archers will be

ranked one up to 64 based on their qualifications chorus, the higher

the better. The competition gets underway in earnest on Monday.

There are about ten or so people who get through to the archery part of

the games and it will represent small countries. There are few

people down at the bottom that if you get seeded to get them, your

first match will be a little bit easier. If you can write in the top

eight, that means you get to avoid the Koreans who are kind of the best

at archery until you get to the last eight, then, they will feel just as

much pressure as you. There is no lack of confidence but what can he

realistically achieved? Realistically, I want to get a

medal. I want to be Olympic champion, so does everybody, but I

have won a host of tournament in my career up until now and I hope to do

it again. As much as I want to win, just getting to the Olympic Games

when the so many people in Great Britain trying to get to an Olympic

Games, to be able to be that person selected to represent Team GB at the

Olympic Games, that is just a surreal and incredible experience.

And one he intends to make the most. -- make the most.

He begins tomorrow morning before the spectacular opening ceremony

begins. I will have lots more from Rio on BBC Newsline tomorrow.

Now let's get the weather with Angie.

A little bit of rain in the forecast but not all bad news, some dry

weather as well. The winds are not as strong but still enough of a

breeze to bring some showers through the first part of the day in

particular. They have been heading southwards. Lovely clear skies

moving in from the North and that meant it was the North Coast and

Donegal who saw these blue sky setting in. A lovely day for a

gallop along the beach. Probably feeling fresh with the onshore

breeze. It has been easing down. The clouds continuing to break up

throughout the day and at the finance for the day for many with

some evening sunshine. That guy weather holds tonight. Broken cloud

and clear spells, fresher than it has been recently. Temperatures in

the towns and cities, ten or 11 degrees but part of the Abu Zeid

could get seven or eight. Tomorrow, not a bad day once again. A lot of

bright weather around. There will be a few showers but through the

morning, we are looking at a fair amount of dry weather with decent

spells of sunshine. During the afternoon the spots of blood and

scattered showers will start to edge in. They will be working eastwards

but they are well structured, quite a few places will avoid them and

stay dry, they will start to move away later. During the second half

of the day, a fair amount of dry weather with 1819 degrees, possibly

20 degrees. Tomorrow night, it is back to something similar to

tonight. A lot of bright weather but clear skies. Similar temperatures.

We start Saturday on a nearly dry and bright mood. The cloud will

gather, spells been gathering in. The wind is picking the South. The

wind is the future as they get into the weekend. It is associated with

this deep area of low pressure. The isobars are getting tightly squeezed

out they could see some gale towards the North East on Saturday night.

Some rain but it moves through quickly so a lot of dry weather too.

Our late summary is at half past ten.

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