Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Paula Meliv claimed Employment and Support Allowance totalling £4,563 while failing to declare she was living with her partner. She was given a three month prison sentence suspended for two years.

She is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Finance Committee To Launch Investigation Over NAMA Sale

The Finance Committee is to launch an investigation over the sale of NAMA.

Mick Wallace made allegations over the sale in Leinster House last week.

Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay said: "All parties at the meeting were in agreement on the need to get to the bottom of this issue as soon as possible.

"We have already started contacting all of those involved in this transaction to come before the committee.

"That includes NAMA officials, Mick Wallace, Tughans as well as others who may have information on the transactions. I am hopeful that committee will meet again next week."

Plans To Develop Nursery Unit In Portstewart Rejected

Plans to develop a new nursery unit in Portstewart have been rejected.

Education Minister John O'Dowd turned down the proposal for a 26-place part-time nursery unit at St Colum's Primary School.

Mr O'Dowd said: "My views on the value of pre-school provision for young children are well known. However, each development proposal for the establishment of new provision must be carefully considered on the basis of all the information pertinent to the individual case.

"This proposal, brought forward by the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools( CCMS), was predicated on the closure of the existing playgroup. The Education Authority has received no indication from the playgroup that they wish to remove themselves from the pre-school programme and indeed the playgroup has increased their level of provision for September 2015."

(CD/JP)