13/09/2017

Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted for claiming over £19,000 in benefits he was not entitled to at Belfast Magistrates' Court.

Jonathan Kane claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £19,299 while failing to declare an income. He was given a five-month prison sentence suspended for three years.

The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.

He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department.

Sinn Fein To Meet With NIHE To Discuss Fire Safety In Tower Blocks

Sinn Fein is to meet with representatives from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) to discuss fire safety in tower blocks.

Carál Ní Chuilín said there can be no room for complacency when it comes to protecting people's lives.

She said: "I will be seeking assurances about the adequacy of the current fire and building regulations, including sprinklers, inspection regime, audibility of fire alarm systems, smoke extraction and emergency lighting for stairways, as well as further investigation into cladding standards and suitability."

SDLP Accepts RTE Apology

SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed an apology from Executive Producer John McMahon after Northern Ireland was cut out of a map on The Late Late Show.

He said: "The erasure of the North from a map displaying income inequality across the island was totally disrespectful and offensive to RTÉ’s broad audience here.

"I'm pleased that the broadcaster has now recognised the deeply offensive nature of the error and apologised for the disrespect caused."

(CD/LM)

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