Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted for claiming benefits he was not entitled to at Enniskillen Magistrates' Court.

Desmond Ross claimed Income Support and Carer's Allowance totalling £2,376 while failing to declare employment. He was given 150 hours community service.

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

New Joint Taskforce Needs Commitment From All Parties - Lunn

Alliance Justice spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has said a new joint taskforce to tackle paramilitary crime needs an unambiguous commitment from all parties to make it work.

Mr Lunn was speaking after the announcement of the plans, which were set out in the Fresh Start Agreement two years ago. The team will be led by the PSNI and include officers from the NCA and others.

"This is a positive development but in order for it to work effectively, we need to see an unambiguous commitment from all political parties to back it and not just deliver meaningless platitudes with vague targets," said Mr Lunn.

"There is a need for a robust anti-paramilitarism strategy from a functioning Executive. Paramilitaries still retain a grip on many communities across Northern Ireland and in many areas, the identity of those involved is widely known. I would hope this taskforce uses all the tools at its disposal, including investigating financial dealings."

Health Service Workers Rally Over Planned Cuts

SDLP representatives have joined health service workers at Stormont to oppose planned cuts of £70m to Trusts across the North.

Dolores Kelly MLA said: "Every day that passes without urgent political intervention to stem the crisis in our health service sees further pressure piled on a system that’s at breaking point.

"Doctors and nurses are being worked to exhaustion to keep up with the incredible demand in units across the North. We cannot continue to lean on their selfless commitment alone. This crisis needs a political and a resource response.

"The health workers I've spoken to are furious at the pace of progress. They understand the needs of the health service and the needs of patients better than anyone else and they know things can’t go on much longer like this."

(CD)