Other News In Brief

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman has been convicted for claiming £9,622 in benefits she was not entitled to at Belfast Magistrates' Court.

Roisin McKeown claimed Income Support, Carer's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £9,622 while failing to declare employment. She was given a 12 month Probation Order. The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.

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

Alliance Party Launches General Election Manifesto

The Alliance Party has launched its General Election manifesto.

Two Alliance MPs would be able to showcase positive, progressive and pro-European politics for Northern Ireland at Westminster, according to Party Leader Naomi Long,

The document, entitled Change Direction, outlines key commitments from Alliance, relating to areas including Brexit, transparency and jobs.

Mrs Long said the election offered a real opportunity for the party to elect two MPs, which would help society move away from the politics of division and towards politics which celebrated diversity and offered hope.

"Alliance has a real chance to be successful at this election in both East and South Belfast. The party was only defeated in East Belfast at the last election thanks to a five-party pact, while we were just 700 votes behind in South Belfast at the most recent poll.

"By electing two MPs, Alliance can have a real say in delivering what this manifesto promises -positive, progressive and pro-European politics. It contains key commitments to help achieve that in areas such as Brexit, ending deadlock, achieving open government, creating jobs and services, and having progressive politics."

UUP Calls For Hospital Services To Be Protected

Ulster Unionist Assembly Member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Rosemary Barton, has expressed deep disappointment at the news that children's dental and ear, nose and throat (ENT) services will be removed from South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon.

She also emphasised the need for other services at South Tyrone Hospital to be protected from further closures.

She said: "The recent announcement that children’s dental and ENT services are to be withdrawn from South Tyrone Hospital is extremely disappointing. The Southern Health and Social Care Trust have confirmed that the services will move to Daisy Hill Hospital early next year. I have requested an urgent meeting with the Chief Executive of the Southern Trust as well as representatives from children’s dental and ENT services at South Tyrone Hospital to establish what their plans really are for the future of the hospital.

"Sadly, services have been run down over the past five years at the South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon and I am dismayed that the former Minister of Health did not fully address this serious matter. I know families in the South Tyrone area who depend on these vital services and this move to Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry will only exacerbate their situation. During my election campaign I pledged to be the champion for health in Fermanagh and South Tyrone and the continuing reduction in services will not go unaddressed."

(CD)