Man Charged In Connection With Enniskillen Fraud Investigation

Detectives investigating a report of cold calling fraud and related offences at a property in the Cherry Walk area of Enniskillen last August have charged a 42-year-old man.

The man has been charged with fraud by false representation, acting as a pedlar without a certificate, and engaging in a misleading commercial practice. He is due to appear before Enniskillen Magistrates' Court on Monday, 2nd February.

As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Middle East Ceasefire Offers Hope But Urgent Humanitarian Aid Essential – Nicholl

Alliance Party MLA and Chair of the Assembly All Party Group on International Development, Paula Nicholl, has welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement in the Middle East but stressed the urgent need for a significant increase in humanitarian aid.

Ms. Nicholl stated: "After fifteen months of unimaginable suffering and bloodshed, the announcement of a ceasefire has brought a glimmer of hope. Our thoughts remain with those who have lost loved ones and the families eagerly awaiting the return of their hostages."

"While this agreement does not guarantee lasting peace, it presents a crucial opportunity to provide vital aid – food, shelter, and medical supplies – to those who have endured immense hardship. Members of the Palestinian community here in Northern Ireland are experiencing a range of emotions – relief, sadness, and fear – but above all, a deep desire for the safety of their families."

Ms. Nicholl highlighted the immense scale of the humanitarian crisis, with 46,000 fatalities, over 17,000 children separated from their families, and only 16 of the region's 36 hospitals still partially operational.

"The international community must now act decisively to ensure a lasting end to the violence and prioritize the swift delivery of aid to prevent the further deterioration of the humanitarian situation," she emphasized.

Ms. Nicholl also called for the UK and Irish Governments to support family reunification efforts and to implement a Gaza Family Visa Scheme. She stressed the importance of holding accountable those responsible for war crimes on all sides, in accordance with international law.

"We must strive towards a two-state solution and work tirelessly to prevent the recurrence of such devastating events anywhere in the world," concluded Ms. Nicholl.

Infrastructure Minister Urged To Review Winter Plan

Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has been urged to "review" his department's winter services programme.

Making the call, SDLP Opposition Infrastructure Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA said: "I want to commend and thank the workers who were out last week in awful conditions and at all hours doing their utmost to keep our roads clear and keep us safe. However, it is evident that the department's approach and application of existing criteria to its road gritting schedule and provision of grit boxes is not serving all areas well.

"The focus seems to be on where there is most traffic, which does not necessarily equate to where there is most need or risk to the public. I received assurances from DfI that there was an adequate budget for this year's Winter Services programme, which means grit shouldn't be like gold dust and areas should not be abandoned and their residents isolated.

"DfI should not carry out any review of its work and policies by itself. They should seek input and assistance from other agencies to establish which areas are most vulnerable to adverse winter weather conditions and where there are vulnerable people too.

"This goes far beyond traffic conditions, impact on the delivery of domiciliary care in some areas is thrown into disarray when snow falls and freezes. Last week carers across the North were forced to brave the elements to bring much needed care, they are worth their weight in gold.

"I have called on the Minister to carry out a review of how DfI operates and that must also include additional resources and staff to help an obviously overstretched workforce. A spell of bad weather should not put people at risk or bring this place to a standstill."