Other News In Brief

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman has been convicted for claiming £14,671 in benefits she was not entitled to at Limavady Magistrates' Court.

Anne McAteer claimed Income Support while failing to declare capital. She was sentenced to three months imprisonment suspended for two years. The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.

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

Renewed Call For Robin Newton to Resign

Alliance MLA David Ford has called on Robin Newton to either resign as Assembly Speaker or give a credible explanation for his actions both as Speaker and as an MLA following allegations made about him by last week's BBC Spotlight programme.

David Ford MLA said: "One week after the Spotlight broadcast, we have had no credible statement from Mr Newton on either his activities on behalf of Charter NI, or his statement to the Assembly which is alleged to have been misleading.

"One week on, and counting, and we are still no clearer to establishing either the facts to date, or the sanctioned role paramilitaries are allowed to play in our society.

"However, there is more to consider than just Mr Newtown's link to Charter NI, concerning though that is.

"Yesterday marked nine months since M Newton faced a motion of no confidence in the Assembly. That came about because of the way he was perceived to act as Speaker on behalf of the DUP, and his failure to carry out his duties impartially.

"In any other legislature in these islands, a Speaker who had clearly lost the confidence of the house would have resigned before Christmas. Last week's revelations merely confirm what he should do without delay."

SF Meets Women Injured By Mesh Implants

Mickey Brady MP has met with women who've suffered from complications from mesh implants in Westminster, following a meeting of the all-party group on surgical mesh implants.

The Newry and Armagh MP said: "Mesh implants are used as a treatment for various health issues, and many women have received them as an element of their medical treatment.

"But recently many cases have come to light where unforeseen complications resulting from the procedure have left women with debilitating conditions and life altering side effects, including chronic pain. Adverse effects have also been found in some men following similar procedures. One person hurt by mesh, is one person too many,

"I was deeply moved by the stories of these women today. This is an issue impacting upon women in my own constituency. Sinn Féin MLAs recently met with representatives of some of the 200 women who have been adversely affected in the north of Ireland. Sadly, however, this is likely to be the tip of the iceberg of what could be a major public health scandal.

"Due to these complications many patients urgently need a clinical reassessment, and for some further surgical intervention is required.

"We will continue to support patients afflicted by surgical complications. All those affected should have immediate access to the appropriate treatment."

(CD/MH)