Three swine flu-related deaths announced

Ashleigh Lynch, 14, was a pupil at Foyleview school in Londonderry where Orla O'Kane, also 14, attended before her death. Five pupils at the school have contracted the virus.

Ashleigh died in the city's Altnagelvin Hospital. Health officials said swine flu was a contributory factor, but not the primary cause.

In a statement, the teenager's family said: "Ashleigh Lynch was a dearly loved daughter, sister, auntie and granddaughter. Her life brought much joy and richness to her family and friends."

The deaths of two other people with the virus - a 62-year-old man and a patient whose details are not being made public - were also confirmed by the government.

Stormont Health minister Michael McGimpsey said the man had swine flu but it was not the cause of death.

The third victim also had other complex health issues, said the minister. Both died in hospital.

Ten people from Northern Ireland have now died after contracting the virus - eight within the region, one in England and one in Spain.

Minister McGimpsey extended his condolences to the families of latest three victims.

"This is tragic news and I would like express my sincere and deepest sympathies to each of the families," he said.

"My thoughts are with them at this very sad time for them. We should all now respect the privacy of the families involved who are grieving for their loved ones."

The latest deaths were announced on the day Northern Ireland's swine flu vaccination programme was launched by Mr McGimpsey - directed first at frontline health and social care staff.

Today and Friday the vaccine will be offered to around 2,500 children in more than 20 special schools because they are considered to be especially vulnerable because of their underlying health conditions.

The minister added: "I have launched the swine flu vaccination programme which is our best defence against swine flu. It will protect the most vulnerable in our society and I would encourage everyone to get it when it is offered. Protect yourself, protect those at risk and get the vaccine.

Meanwhile, the minister warned the cost of tackling swine flu could threaten £30 million funding for a fire service training college.

Mr McGimpsey has been left with a £32 million bill for tackling the pandemic.

The training centre is due to be built on a 210-acre site beside a food science centre at Desertcreat on the outskirts of Cookstown, Co Tyrone. The police service is expected to share the accommodation.

Mr McGimpsey said running costs could be prohibitive.

"This is a very active consideration, I am not saying this is a definite decision at the minute but it is looking very difficult for me to fund," he said.

"I am very supportive of the training college and funding also a modern training facility for the fire service but I also am saying I am finding it very difficult to make the sums add up."

He estimates he will need £64 million to deal with swine flu and the Executive will pay half that.

Mr McGimpsey added the site at Desertcreat was looking more expensive to manage than previously envisaged.

"Running costs are much higher because of its close proximity to a police training college and all the security that goes with that, and the fire service has to pay its share of that," he said.