09/03/2017
Other News In Brief
Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud
A man has been convicted for claiming benefits he was not entitled to at Craigavon Magistrates' Court.
Martin Quirke claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £97 while failing to declare employment. He was given an eighteen month conditional discharge.
He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.
RHI Inquiry Could Take More Than Six Months
A public inquiry into the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme could take longer than six months to complete, according to its chairman.
The botched RHI scheme could cost the public purse around £490 million.
Sir Patrick Coghlin said: "At present I can say that it will not be possible to report within six months.
"What I can assure you of is that our work will be done as efficiently as possible, and it will be done properly."
The RHI scheme was established in 2012 and its aim was to increase the creation of heat from renewable sources.
Call For Full Investigation After Murder Suspect Released In Error
Alliance Justice spokesperson Trevor Lunn has called for a full investigation after a murder suspect was released by mistake.
Michael Lawrence Smith has not returned to Maghaberry Prison after last being seen in the Belfast area on Tuesday, 07 March.
The PSNI stated Smith, who is on remand for murder, said he had been "released erroneously".
Mr Lunn said: "It is clear such a fundamental mistake should not have happened, particularly with a noted dangerous individual such as Smith.
"This is basic security and a full investigation should take place as to how it occurred. I would urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact police immediately."
(CD)
A man has been convicted for claiming benefits he was not entitled to at Craigavon Magistrates' Court.
Martin Quirke claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £97 while failing to declare employment. He was given an eighteen month conditional discharge.
He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.
RHI Inquiry Could Take More Than Six Months
A public inquiry into the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme could take longer than six months to complete, according to its chairman.
The botched RHI scheme could cost the public purse around £490 million.
Sir Patrick Coghlin said: "At present I can say that it will not be possible to report within six months.
"What I can assure you of is that our work will be done as efficiently as possible, and it will be done properly."
The RHI scheme was established in 2012 and its aim was to increase the creation of heat from renewable sources.
Call For Full Investigation After Murder Suspect Released In Error
Alliance Justice spokesperson Trevor Lunn has called for a full investigation after a murder suspect was released by mistake.
Michael Lawrence Smith has not returned to Maghaberry Prison after last being seen in the Belfast area on Tuesday, 07 March.
The PSNI stated Smith, who is on remand for murder, said he had been "released erroneously".
Mr Lunn said: "It is clear such a fundamental mistake should not have happened, particularly with a noted dangerous individual such as Smith.
"This is basic security and a full investigation should take place as to how it occurred. I would urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact police immediately."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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19 December 2016
First Minister Apologises RHI Scheme Did Not Have Cost Controls
First Minister Arlene Foster has apologised that the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme did not have cost controls. Mrs Foster said it is her "deepest political regret" as she spoke at the Assembly on Monday, 19 December. A number of MLAs from other parties walked out of the chamber during her speech.
First Minister Apologises RHI Scheme Did Not Have Cost Controls
First Minister Arlene Foster has apologised that the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme did not have cost controls. Mrs Foster said it is her "deepest political regret" as she spoke at the Assembly on Monday, 19 December. A number of MLAs from other parties walked out of the chamber during her speech.
04 January 2017
RHI Scheme: Belfast City Council Passes Motion For Full Public Inquiry
Belfast City council has passed a motion for a full public inquiry into the controversial Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. Independent unionist councillor Ruth Patterson proposed the motion. A total of 23 councillors voted in favour and 12 voted against.
RHI Scheme: Belfast City Council Passes Motion For Full Public Inquiry
Belfast City council has passed a motion for a full public inquiry into the controversial Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. Independent unionist councillor Ruth Patterson proposed the motion. A total of 23 councillors voted in favour and 12 voted against.
08 August 2022
Murder Investigation Launched Into Disappearance Of Damien Heagney
The PSNI's Major Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation into the disappearance of 47-year-old Damien Heagney from Cookstown. Mr Heagney was reported missing on Tuesday 19 July and police have said that they are "keeping an open mind" they now believe that he has been murdered.
Murder Investigation Launched Into Disappearance Of Damien Heagney
The PSNI's Major Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation into the disappearance of 47-year-old Damien Heagney from Cookstown. Mr Heagney was reported missing on Tuesday 19 July and police have said that they are "keeping an open mind" they now believe that he has been murdered.
10 March 2017
NIPS Issues Apology After 'Dangerous' Prisoner Mistakenly Released
The Head of the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) has apologised after a "dangerous" inmate was mistakenly released from Maghaberry Prison. Michael Lawrence Smith, who has been charged with murder, was released in error on Tuesday, 07 March, and has failed to return to prison. Mr Ronnie Armour said what happened was a "very serious mistake".
NIPS Issues Apology After 'Dangerous' Prisoner Mistakenly Released
The Head of the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) has apologised after a "dangerous" inmate was mistakenly released from Maghaberry Prison. Michael Lawrence Smith, who has been charged with murder, was released in error on Tuesday, 07 March, and has failed to return to prison. Mr Ronnie Armour said what happened was a "very serious mistake".
21 July 2004
'Security document' stolen from Castlereagh, Minister confirms
Security Minister Ian Pearson has confirmed that a security document has been stolen from Castlereagh police station in east Belfast. Mr Pearson was responding to reports in the press in recent days about a security breach.
'Security document' stolen from Castlereagh, Minister confirms
Security Minister Ian Pearson has confirmed that a security document has been stolen from Castlereagh police station in east Belfast. Mr Pearson was responding to reports in the press in recent days about a security breach.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.