Hamilton Launches Policy To Safeguard Children

The Health Minister has launched the updated draft policy 'Co-operating to Safeguard Children and Young People in Northern Ireland' for consultation.

The draft policy provides a regional framework for the effective safeguarding of all children and young people in Northern Ireland encompassing the full range of prevention, early intervention and protection activity for the statutory, private, independent, community, faith and voluntary sectors.

Minister Simon Hamilton said: "Most children in Northern Ireland are raised in homes where they are loved, nurtured and cared for. However, we cannot ignore the fact that, for some, this is not the case and when harm happens to a child or young person we want to do everything we can to help and support them.

"Harm to any child or young person resulting from abuse, exploitation or neglect is intolerable, particularly so because that harm is happening to, or being witnessed by, those who are unable to protect themselves."

The draft policy makes clear the requirements on all organisations and individuals working with children and young people to promote their welfare and keep them safe. It is intended that the policy will support professionals to take the right decisions and the right action to promote the welfare of children and young people and keep them safe.

Cookstown Man Receives Confiscation Order

The Social Security Agency Financial Investigation Unit obtained a Confiscation Order to the value of £18,115 against Adrian Devlin of Forth Glen, Cookstown at Dungannon Crown Court.

Mr Devlin had claimed Income Support on the grounds that he was unfit for employment and had no savings or other source of income.

During his claim to benefit, the defendant failed to declare that he held capital in excess of the allowed thresholds and as a result of this he received £16,627 in benefits that he was not entitled to over a two-year period.

At the hearing, the Court granted a Confiscation Order in amount of £18,115 with a 12-month prison sentence in default of non-payment. He has until 19 November 2015 to satisfy the order.

SDLP Calls For Update On Parking Project

An SDLP Derry City Councillor has written to Transport Minister Danny Kennedy requesting clarification on the progress of the consultation period for legislation for a car parking scheme in the Rossville Street area of the city.

Councillor Martin Reilly's constituents in the Waterside are awaiting the outcome of the Rossville Street Residents Parking Scheme so that they can advance a similar scheme in their own area.

He said: "Residents in many parts of Derry are still waiting for DRD to introduce residents parking schemes which aim to make life easier for people living in busy traffic hotspots across the city.

"The department previously outlined how Rossville Street will be the pilot scheme from which other schemes for other areas may follow.

"People in the Waterside have contacted me asking for a scheme for Lower Chapel Road & Spencer Road but this is dependent on the success of Rossville Street. Other areas close to the Magee campus of the Ulster University are also calling for similar measures."

(CD/JP)