Other News In Brief

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Dee'Anne Feighan claimed Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £4,978 while failing to declare living with a partner. She was given an 18 month probation order.

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

Plans Discussed To Develop New Cruise Ship Terminal

Discussions have taken place to develop a new cruise ship terminal on the Greencastle side of Foyle Port in county L'Derry.

Sinn Fein MP Elisha McCallion met with representatives to discuss the plans.

She said the expansion would transform the tourism industry in the north west.

"Such a move would help attract more cruise ships, and consequently, more visitors to the north west," she said.

"This proposal has the potential to significantly improve the tourism economy in the north west and make us a key destination on any cruise itinerary.

"I will continue to engage with Foyle Port in the time ahead as they progress this proposal."

SDLP Calls For Mesh Implants To Be Banned

SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has called for a ban on the use of vaginal mesh implants in the treatment of organ prolapse in Northern Ireland.

He said: "There is now a significant body of evidence which demonstrates the clear danger of using mesh implants in the treatment of organ prolapse. The lived experience of these women is not something which can be overlooked. We need to learn from that experience and move to ban the use of mesh implants immediately.

"It's estimated that over 7000 women across the North have had a vaginal mesh fitted in the last 10 years. That is a worrying number and I have very real concerns about access to appropriate scans for those involved as well as expertise in our own health service in the removal of these meshes."

(CD/MH)