Statement in response to Advice NI on Welfare Reform

In a response to the statement from Advice NI, a spokesperson from the Department for Social Development commented: "Whilst the statement from Advice NI is correct in that claimants will not receive any entitlement to Employment Support Allowance during the reconsideration period, this does not represent a change from existing arrangements for those claimants who choose to challenge a decision to disallow Employment Support Allowance by opting to have a reconsideration undertaken of the original decision.

“In these cases payment of Employment Support Allowance ceases until the outcome is known although the claimant is able to claim Job Seekers Allowance thereby ensuring they will receive payment of a social security benefit. If the outcome from the reconsideration process is in the claimant’s favour, then the entitlement to Employment Support Allowance is re-instated from the date of disallowance.

“The proposals in the Welfare Reform Bill currently going through the Assembly is for the introduction of a mandatory reconsideration process. This change is intended to help reduce the number of people who have to go to appeal by introducing a formal review stage allowing them to submit additional information and having the case reviewed by someone not involved in the original decision. This change means that in the future all claimants who are disallowed Employment Support Allowance must go through the reconsideration process before being able to progress to appeal.

“Whilst claimants who are disallowed Employment Support Allowance will still be entitled to claim Job Seekers Allowance whilst the reconsideration is taking place, the Department recognises the practical difficulties which claimants may experience in moving between benefits and discussions are continuing with the Department of Works and Pensions in London on the practical implications of this change.”

Robinson and McGuinness forge international links with Brazil

The First Minister Rt. Hon. Peter D Robinson, MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, MLA, are developing international links in Brazil this week.

On the five-day visit to São Paulo, Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro the First Minister and deputy First Minister will promote economic development, trade, tourism, university and sporting links with Latin America’s largest economy.

First Peter Robinson and deputy Minister Martin McGuinness are pictured in São Paulo, at the start of their visit to Brazil. 

This visit is part of the Ministers’ wider international objectives aimed at promoting Northern Ireland in the world’s fastest growing economies, commonly known as the BRIC, (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries.

The First Minister said: "Our Programme for Government placed our economy as the key priority. We will leave no stone unturned as we continue to identify new markets and promote Northern Ireland in Brazil.

Northern Ireland has a lot to offer potential investors with our skilled work force and world class education system. Brazil is a major player on the world stage and I look forward to a very informative and productive visit."

The deputy First Minister said: “As the fifth largest country in the world and a population in excess of 191 million Brazil is a key market for us. We will meet with the Brazilian government, business leaders and universities and avail of every opportunity to promote the north of Ireland.

“The only way to develop international relationships is through face to face meetings. Our presence here demonstrates to the Brazilians that we are committed to exploring mutually beneficial opportunities to grow our economy.”

Sports Minister congratulates Frampton-Pride of Belfast

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has congratulated Carl Frampton on winning the European super-bantamweight title.
Frampton stopped Kiko Martinez in the ninth round at the Odyssey Arena to take the title.

Minister Ní Chuilín said "This was another tremendous night for Irish boxing and Belfast.

"We keep turning out boxers who can compete with the best in the world. It is only a matter of time before Carl Frampton fights for a world title. His performance last night shows that he has what it takes to be our next world champion."

The Minister also congratulated all the other local boxers who fought their way to victory at the Odyssey Arena last night.

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Robinson and McGuinness express sympathy at death of police officer

First Minister Rt. Hon Peter D Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA have expressed their sympathy at the death of a Police Officer in Derry/Londonderry last night.

The Police Constable died when the police car she was travelling in was struck by a stolen vehicle in the early hours of this morning.

Two other police officers were also injured in the crash and are receiving treatment in hospital.

The Ministers said: "This is devastating news and we want to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Police Officer's family, friends and colleagues.

"We wish her two police officer colleagues a speedy and full recovery.

"Officers in the PSNI put their lives at risk on a daily basis to serve and protect our community and we are all truly grateful for their dedicated service. 

"Those who commit a crime such as vehicle theft must realise their actions can have serious consequences. We urge anyone with information to go to the police.”