Other News In Brief

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman has been convicted for claiming benefits she was not entitled to at Limavady Magistrates' Court.

Ellen Scott claimed Incapacity Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £10,171 while failing to declare employment. She was given 100 hours community service.

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

New Facility Opens At Grammar School In Co Tyrone

Work on a new two-storey building and modular buildings at a grammar school in Donaghmore, Co Tyrone, has been completed.

The new building at St Joseph's Grammar School will house PE and drama, and the modular buildings will be used for science, general classrooms and toilets.

Principal Geraldine Donnelly said: "This is a truly momentous day for the school and these new facilities represent a strong endorsement by the Department of the outstanding educational experience we have offered pupils on this site for almost 100 years. There is a long established sporting and dramatic tradition in the area and we are confident that the facilities will be enjoyed for decades to come, not only by our own pupils but also by many local and national organisations which will be made to feel very welcome here.

"We are indebted to the design team and the contractors who have delivered a first-class product and we will continue to work closely with the Minister and his Department to further enhance facilities for our pupils and staff."

Alliance Welcomes Fibromyalgia Recognition

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed the recognition of fibromyalgia as a long-term condition in Northern Ireland, but cautioned without reform services will not catch up as quickly as they should.

The South Belfast MLA was speaking after the Patient and Client Council announced new 'pathways' for sufferers, which will outline what services are available for them, including medication or advice around exercise and alternative therapies.

She said: "I am relieved, as many will be, fibromyalgia is now rightly recognised as a long-term condition. This means services can now be put in place across Trusts for those suffering with it.

"However, there is already a postcode lottery for services for many long-term conditions, with some Trusts allocating significantly more resources to specialist care and support than others. The concern now is that the same will happen with fibromyalgia and many people will still not in fact be able to access the vital services they need."

(CD)