A5 Upgrade Project In 'Limbo' - McAleer

The A5 upgrade project in west Tyrone has been described as in "limbo" after Roads Minister Danny Kennedy made the decision to step aside from his post.

Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer confirmed the decision on the draft orders must be made by the minister.

He said: "As a result of the former minister's decision to step down for party political reasons, the A5 project is now in limbo.

"This is further proof that the Ulster Unionist Party are putting party politics before the needs of all the community and the economy.

"The A5 project is too important to be held hostage to the political infighting of the unionist parties."

Two Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

Two people have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Belfast Magistrates' Court.

Martin Tate, 28, claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £4,025 while failing to declare employment. He was given 75 hours community service.

Cathy McGuiness, 26, claimed Income Support totalling £2,729 while failing to declare employment. She was given a one month conditional discharge.

Both are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Growing Delays In Treatment Compromising Patient Safety

The Ulster Unionist Party has raised the plight of the hundreds of thousands of people currently on a hospital waiting list across Northern Ireland and has warned that the growing delays in treatment are now compromising patient safety.

Ulster Unionist Party Health Spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson MLA said: "By June 2015 there were 373,000 people waiting for a first outpatient appointment, a diagnostic test or inpatient treatment at hospital. This was equivalent to over 20% of the entire Northern Ireland population and demonstrates the frightening scale of the problem at hand. Not only are more people waiting, but the length of time that they have to wait is also spiralling. For instance 86,000 people have been waiting for their first outpatient appointment for more than 18 weeks, despite the fact that the official target is that absolutely nobody should have to wait this long.

"Every aspect of our health service is being affected. This includes vital core services such as cancer diagnostics and treatment. In addition a range of specialities such as general surgery and pain management are all reporting growing delays. The problem is now so urgent that patient safety is being compromised and to say that in 2015 is simply abhorrent."

(CD)