Other NI News In Brief

Conditional Discharge For Furniture Retailer

An Omagh furniture retailer who operated without a consumer credit licence has been given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs of £25 at Strabane Magistrates' Court. In a case brought by the Trading Standards Service of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sharon Elizabeth Booth, who traded as Booth's Furniture & Electrical, Derry Road, Omagh pleaded guilty to a charge under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. In November 2009, Trading Standards Service received a complaint relating to a sale financed by a '0%' interest credit agreement. Trading Standards Service discovered that Booth's Furniture & Electrical did not have a consumer credit licence. Any business offering credit, to consumers, of up to £30,000 must, by law, possess a licence, which is issued by the Office of Fair Trading. Raymond Dolan of the Trading Standards Service said: "Most businesses that offer goods or services on credit or for hire, or that lend money to consumers, are required to be licenced by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). The licensing regime ensures that OFT only issues a licence if it is satisfied that the applicant is competent and a 'fit person' to hold one. Unlicenced trading is a criminal offence."

German N-TV Says 'Wunderbar'

Images of Co. Down and Northern Ireland will be broadcast to about 100,000 people across Germany this July. A film crew from German lifestyle channel N-TV spent a week filming 'My Northern Ireland', a short travel programme focusing on scenery, things to do and food. While in Co. Down the crew filmed in the beautiful grounds of Castle Ward House near Strangford, captured footage of the views from Dundrum Castle and enjoyed a cookery lesson 'al fresco' at Glassdrumman Lodge Hotel, Annalong. Organised by Tourism Ireland in Germany, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the TV crew also filmed some of the NW200 bikes races in Portrush, the spectacular Giant's Causeway and enjoyed a walking tour of Belfast, taking in the City Hall and the developing Titanic Experience. Barbara Wood, Tourism Ireland Germany, said: "This was an action-packed trip for the TV crew. The programme, which will air this summer, will help us to highlight the huge diversity of things to see and do on holiday here. Exposure on TV programmes like this helps Tourism Ireland to raise awareness of Northern Ireland as a wonderful holiday destination in Germany and will help us grow visitor numbers from the market."

Health Minister Stresses Commitment to Early Years Intervention

Health Minister Edwin Poots has welcomed the spotlight being placed on early years intervention and parenting skills can produce a range of better outcomes for children, families and communities. The Public Health Agency Conference, held today in the King's Hall, Belfast, highlighted how investment in early intervention and parenting skills can produce a range of better outcomes for children, families and communities. Speaking at the conference, Mr Poots said: "Given what we know about the foundational nature of a child's first few years for life-long health and wellbeing, action to address health inequalities must start from the very earliest stage. With the right support throughout their childhood years, many more children will grow up to be adults who contribute positively to their communities and raise healthy and happy children themselves. We must put children at the centre of care delivery, support the needs of parents and ensure that all children have the best possible start to life."

(KMcA/GK)