BUDGET
Act enabling the government to adopt a budget for Northern Ireland expected to be sped up later at Westminster.
The budget sets out the expenses for the nine departments of Stormont for this financial year.
Departments have been operating without adequate budgets due to the collapse of the executive branch.
FOREIGN MINISTER
Northern Ireland Minister Chris Heaton-Harris will embark on a five-day visit to the US Investment opportunities to explore here.
He is expected to be pressured by US politicians to resolve the Stormont standoff ahead of the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
He will also update you on the discussions on protocol negotiations.
RED SQUIRRELS
Four red squirrels have been introduced to Castle Ward to settle a new population on the site.
They were released on the estate, with more to come. They were carefully transported by Belfast Zoo and Ulster Wildlife.
The move is part of a ten-year conservation strategy for Northern Ireland to support red squirrel recovery across the country.
CHINESE NEW YEAR
Chinese New Year celebrations have taken place in Belfast.
That audience was treated to traditional Chinese dancers welcoming the Year of the Rabbit during the first in-person event since the pandemic.
CHURCH LEADER
The leaders of the major churches have offered to develop a truth-finding process to address the legacy of the problems.
Archbishop Eamon Martin said yesterday at a special service at St Anne’s Cathedral that peace and reconciliation can only be advanced if the truths about the past are brought to light.
GAA
In the Gaelic Games, it shouldn’t be for any of the Ulster sides at Croke Park this weekend. Glen lost 11-1 to 19 in the football final to Kilmacud Croakes – while Ulster champions Dunloy lost 15-15 to 122 to Ballyhale Shamrocks in the hurling final.
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