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09/11/2017
Other News In Brief
Three People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud
Two men and a woman have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Craigavon Magistrates' Court.
Filomeno Maia claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £334 while failing to declare employment. He was given a conditional discharge for two years.
Amabile Da Silva claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £1,938 while failing to declare employment. She was given 80 hours community service.
Gavin Cowdy claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £1,497 while failing to declare employment. He was given a four month prison sentence suspended for two years.
They are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.
RHI Scheme Described As 'Biggest Financial Scandal In The History Of Devolution'
The SDLP has described the botched Renewable Heat Incentive scheme in Northern Ireland as "the biggest financial scandal in the history of devolution".
Sir Patrick Coghlin, a retired appeal court judge, opened the inquiry into the RHI scheme on Tuesday, 07 November.
An investigation by Spotlight revealed several errors in the scheme which were believed to cost the public purse around £490million.
SDLP Economy Spokesperson, Sinead Bradley MLA, said: "It feels like a political lifetime ago and is scarcely remembered in public debate but the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme scandal is the reason we no longer have power sharing institutions; such was the scale of the alleged wrongdoing.
"Following months of pressure from the SDLP and others, the Finance Minister finally gave in and called this Public Inquiry after previously resisting the highest standard of accountability. It is critical now that the Inquiry is allowed to get to the truth of what went wrong with the RHI scheme, why cost controls were stripped from the Northern Ireland scheme, who knew about it and when.
"Taxpayers deserve the truth and for those responsible to be held to account."
Sectarian Graffiti In Clough Condemned
Alliance Councillor Andy McMurray has condemned sectarian graffiti which has appeared in Clough.
The Newry Mourne and Down Councillor said he had passed details of the incident to the police and Council officers and appealed for anyone with information to come forward immediately.
He added: "This type of graffiti, meant to intimidate a section of our community from using this particular area, has no place in our society and won't be tolerated.
"Those behind this incident are not reflective of the good people of Clough, where the majority work together to ensure the area remains welcoming and open to all."
(CD)
Two men and a woman have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Craigavon Magistrates' Court.
Filomeno Maia claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £334 while failing to declare employment. He was given a conditional discharge for two years.
Amabile Da Silva claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £1,938 while failing to declare employment. She was given 80 hours community service.
Gavin Cowdy claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £1,497 while failing to declare employment. He was given a four month prison sentence suspended for two years.
They are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.
RHI Scheme Described As 'Biggest Financial Scandal In The History Of Devolution'
The SDLP has described the botched Renewable Heat Incentive scheme in Northern Ireland as "the biggest financial scandal in the history of devolution".
Sir Patrick Coghlin, a retired appeal court judge, opened the inquiry into the RHI scheme on Tuesday, 07 November.
An investigation by Spotlight revealed several errors in the scheme which were believed to cost the public purse around £490million.
SDLP Economy Spokesperson, Sinead Bradley MLA, said: "It feels like a political lifetime ago and is scarcely remembered in public debate but the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme scandal is the reason we no longer have power sharing institutions; such was the scale of the alleged wrongdoing.
"Following months of pressure from the SDLP and others, the Finance Minister finally gave in and called this Public Inquiry after previously resisting the highest standard of accountability. It is critical now that the Inquiry is allowed to get to the truth of what went wrong with the RHI scheme, why cost controls were stripped from the Northern Ireland scheme, who knew about it and when.
"Taxpayers deserve the truth and for those responsible to be held to account."
Sectarian Graffiti In Clough Condemned
Alliance Councillor Andy McMurray has condemned sectarian graffiti which has appeared in Clough.
The Newry Mourne and Down Councillor said he had passed details of the incident to the police and Council officers and appealed for anyone with information to come forward immediately.
He added: "This type of graffiti, meant to intimidate a section of our community from using this particular area, has no place in our society and won't be tolerated.
"Those behind this incident are not reflective of the good people of Clough, where the majority work together to ensure the area remains welcoming and open to all."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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07 December 2016
First Minister Slammed Over RHI Scheme
The SDLP has hit out at First Minster Arlene Foster over the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme in Northern Ireland. Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone was speaking after a Spotlight investigation into the scandal was broadcast detailing the flaws in the scheme along with the heavy cost it carried for the public purse.
First Minister Slammed Over RHI Scheme
The SDLP has hit out at First Minster Arlene Foster over the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme in Northern Ireland. Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone was speaking after a Spotlight investigation into the scandal was broadcast detailing the flaws in the scheme along with the heavy cost it carried for the public purse.
07 November 2017
RHI Scheme: Independent Public Inquiry To Get Underway
The independent public inquiry into the botched green energy scheme is to get underway today, 07 November. Sir Patrick Coghlin, a retired appeal court judge, will open the inquiry into the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.
RHI Scheme: Independent Public Inquiry To Get Underway
The independent public inquiry into the botched green energy scheme is to get underway today, 07 November. Sir Patrick Coghlin, a retired appeal court judge, will open the inquiry into the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.
19 September 2017
Public Inquiry Into RHI Scheme Delayed
A public inquiry into a botched energy scheme has been delayed. Hearings into the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme were to start in October, however they will now commence on 07 November. An investigation by Spotlight revealed several errors in the scheme which will cost the public purse around £490million.
Public Inquiry Into RHI Scheme Delayed
A public inquiry into a botched energy scheme has been delayed. Hearings into the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme were to start in October, however they will now commence on 07 November. An investigation by Spotlight revealed several errors in the scheme which will cost the public purse around £490million.
20 January 2017
Finance Minister Orders Public Inquiry Into RHI Scheme
Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has moved to institute a public inquiry over the botched Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. The scheme is expected to cost the public purse around £490million.
Finance Minister Orders Public Inquiry Into RHI Scheme
Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has moved to institute a public inquiry over the botched Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. The scheme is expected to cost the public purse around £490million.
04 January 2017
RHI Scheme: Belfast City Council Passes Motion For Full Public Inquiry
Belfast City council has passed a motion for a full public inquiry into the controversial Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. Independent unionist councillor Ruth Patterson proposed the motion. A total of 23 councillors voted in favour and 12 voted against.
RHI Scheme: Belfast City Council Passes Motion For Full Public Inquiry
Belfast City council has passed a motion for a full public inquiry into the controversial Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. Independent unionist councillor Ruth Patterson proposed the motion. A total of 23 councillors voted in favour and 12 voted against.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
