Other News In Brief

Two People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

Two people have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Ballymena Magistrates' Court.

Barry Mooney claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £8,032 while failing to declare employment. He was given a three year conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £49.

Paula Clarke claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £15,403 while failing to declare her partner was employed. She was given a two month prison sentence suspended for 18 months and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

Both are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Construction Work To Start On Resurfacing Project In Co Down

Construction work is to begin on a £65,000 resurfacing project in Co Down.

Improvement work is to be carried out on Comber Street in Saintfield and footways and the drainage system will also be upgraded.

The work is to start on Monday, 01 August, and is expected to be completed on Saturday, 27 August.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: "This significant investment will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of Comber Street and address ongoing maintenance problems associated with the road."

A road closure will be in operation between 8am and 6pm from Monday 01 August 2016 to Saturday 27 August 2016.

Traffic is being diverted via A21 Main Street, A7 Belfast Road and Comber Road.

Call For Bengoa Report To Be Released 'Immediately'

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said the Health Minister should delay no longer and release the Bengoa Report immediately.

The report was given to Michelle O'Neill last week with the findings of the Expert Panel, which has been tasked with restructuring health and social care here. The Minister announced she would be responding in the autumn.

However, South Belfast MLA Ms Bradshaw said she believed the Minister should publish the report today in the interests of transparency.

She said: "It is certainly welcome news the report has been completed and is in the possession of the Minister. While I recognise the Minister may need a little time to study the report and formulate a response, the report itself should be published to allow everyone to see what has been recommended.

"The report itself is the work of the review team and that text will not be amended by the Department, so it is a perfect chance to release it publicly to show the detail to everyone with a stake in the future of health and social care here."

(CD)