Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted of benefits he was not entitled to at Ballymena Magistrates Court.

Henry Hillis (33) of Ardymagh Road, Ballyclare, claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £2,225 while failing to declare employment. He was given a two month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, fined £2,225 and ordered to pay court costs of £25.

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

Long Praises Diverse Range Of Alliance Candidates

Naomi Long has praised the diverse range of Alliance candidates stepping forward with her to contest the General Election on 7th May.

Alliance's East Belfast Westminster candidate said the fact the party was fielding candidates in all 18 constituencies, including the highest percentage of women among the five main parties, proved yet again only Alliance was focused on moving Northern Ireland forward, not back.

Mrs Long said: "Alliance is committed to representing everyone. In 2010, I was one of just 142 women MPs elected to Parliament, making up just 22 per cent of the total. While things might be improving slowly, the lack of women in public life is still a concern.

"Almost 100 years since women won the right to vote, too many still stay at home on election day, uninspired by the choice on the ballot paper. It's unsurprising, given parties like the DUP claim to represent all voters, but can't manage to find one female out of 18 keen to represent their policies."

Culture Minister Meets With Language Commissioner

Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has met with An Coimisinéir Teanga - the Language Commissioner, Rónán Ó Domhnaill.

The meeting took place in Spiddal in Co Galway.

Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: "I had a very productive meeting with Rónán today about his role since becoming commissioner. Since launching the consultation on the Acht na Gaelige in February, I have been keen to learn from the experience of others.

"The consultation is also seeking views on appointing an Irish Language Commissioner here in the north so it was good to hear how this would work in practice. We discussed the effectiveness of the functions and powers of the Commissioner and also how the Official Language Act in the south has assisted the development of the language and the 20 year strategy for Irish.

"Language is part of our culture and we should take every opportunity to promote and use the language. Since launching Líofa in 2011, I have been delighted to see that over 11,000 people have made the commitment to learn the language."

(CD)