Other News In Brief

New Strategic Framework For Diabetes In NI Launched

A new Strategic Framework for Diabetes in Northern Ireland has launched.

The new Framework follows publication of a draft consultation document earlier in the year. It is also part of a series of future initiatives to support ‘Health and Well-being 2026, Delivering Together’ which aims to transform Health and Social Care (HSC) services across the north.

The Framework is published in conjunction with the formation of a new 'Diabetes Network' for the north. The network will enable people living with diabetes and frontline experts in diabetes care to 'co-design' services with the aim of making a real difference to future diabetes care and improvements in long term health for people living with the condition.

Call For Economy Minister To Explain NI's Energy Policy

The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has called on the Economy Minister to explain what his energy policy actually is.

UUP Economy spokesperson Steve Aiken said the energy is potentially the most improtant issue for the Executive to deal with over the next six months.

The UUP is also bringing a motion for debate at the Assembly calling for a focus to be brought on the issue of energy pricing and security of supply for electricity.

Mr Aiken said: "The issues have been clearly defined: price volatility, high costs for large industrial users, the renewable heat debacle, threats to generation capacity within Northern Ireland, and lack of progress on cross border interconnection to create the Integrated Single Energy Market (I-SEM).

"Energy experts have been warning for some time that Northern Ireland is heading for a security of supply crisis. As the general manager of the transmission network (SONI) said recently, "Northern Ireland is facing an energy supply crisis, as old conventional fossil fuel generators retire... over the next five years we will be at a point where we are in an energy generation deficit. As the system operator, I cannot be confident that we would be able to keep the lights on".

"We had an expert panel report with 24 recommendations focusing on reducing business energy costs in March. We are still waiting for an official response from the Executive."

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman has been convicted for claiming benefits she was not entitled to at Belfast Magistrates' Court.

Amanda McKeown claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £4,040 while failing to declare she was living with her partner. She was given a 12 month conditional discharge.

She is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

(CD)