Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman from Belfast has been convicted for claiming benefits she was not entitled to.

Eileen Molloy (39) of Clonavogie Gardens, claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £9,657 while failing to declare employment. She was given a six month prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to pay court costs of £80.

She is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Minister Launches The Legal Services Agency NI

Justice Minister David Ford has launched the Legal Services Agency Northern Ireland.

The Agency, which replaces the Legal Services Commission, will be responsible for the provision of publicly funded legal services.

Mr Ford said: "The Agency will be at the heart of a reform process that will see legal aid become leaner and more efficient, still independent, still committed to protecting the most vulnerable, but doing so in a way that respects the taxpayers that fund it.

"We are taking forward an ambitious programme of reform that will place greater emphasis on finding solutions outside the formal Court process. The Agency will be able to work closely with the Department by providing advice, analysis and practical experience of the operation and delivery issues, and yet remain independent when taking individual decisions on the grant of legal aid."

SF Welcomes Support To Dairy Farmers

Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan has said that he welcomes the pledge of support from Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill to support the dairy farmers through the transition after the lifting of EU quotas.

Mr McMullan said: "Many farmers in the North are already prepared for the change as this has been on the cards since 2003 but will now face more competition from other EU countries.

"While many farmers have already found a level of production to suit their businesses some others have not and will need help through the initial stages.

"I welcome the announcement from the minister that she will support the industry as much as possible, especially her dialogue with EU Commissioner Phil Hogan over the intervention price for milk."

(CD/JP)