Other News In Brief

Three People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

Three people have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Belfast Magistrates' Court today, Tuesday.

Janine Ritchie (23) of Mountcollyer Avenue, claimed Jobseekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £4,558 while failing to declare employment. She was fined £500 and ordered to pay court costs of £43.

Kenneth Hamilton (55) of Coolfin Street, claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £2,478 while failing to declare employment. He was given 150 hours community service.

Paul Barrie (41) of Kilbroney House, was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of £22 for wrongful encashment of Jobseekers Allowance totalling £111.

All are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Minister Launches 'Sustainable Building Guide'

A new 'Sustainable Building Guide' produced by Smart Eco Hub has been launched by the Environment Minister.

The guide is beneficial for people working within the construction industry.

Speaking at the launch, which saw representatives from local businesses, local government and the construction industry, Minister Durkan said: "I very much support the use of sustainable renewable technologies in new buildings. We have geared planning policy to help integrate renewable energy technology into the design, siting and layout of existing and new buildings.

"This Guide demonstrates another good example of the benefits of collaboration between local authorities and the private sector. It has produced a practical document that can be applied in the planning and adaption of buildings in the North and South.

"It is important that we continue to work together and share our experiences as well as exchange ideas that will support our wider understanding of issues that affect our environment."

UUP Slams Dissident Republican

Ulster Unionist MLA and Upper Bann Westminster Candidate Jo-Anne Dobson, has slammed comments made by Ardoyne republican Dee Fennell in Lurgan.

Branding the comments as disgusting and aimed at inciting people, the Ulster Unionist MLA has demanded that the PSNI investigate the contents of the speech which has been made available through social media.

Mrs Dobson said: "How can our society move forward in peace when individuals who are so consumed by hatred continue to preach the poisonous politics of the past?

"A video of this speech, delivered in Lurgan, has been posted widely on social media and like many other people, I have watched and listened to it in both shock and horror. During the speech he can be clearly heard praising the murderous activities of the IRA, gloating over the murder of Lord Mountbatten and describing their armed struggle in 2015 as 'legitimate'.

"But what struck me so much was that these comments were made in the presence of young children. The bile and hatred of the past being preached to our next generation can result in nothing but hurt and pain.

"The PSNI monitor and record legitimate parading by the Loyal Orders and in the past have chosen to investigate individuals for lesser comments than these. I have written to the Chief Constable to demand that the contents of this video are fully investigated and action taken."

(CD)