Latest news with #DeborahErskine
Belfast Telegraph
a day ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Criminal gang linked to fake licences were also selling bogus road certificates
And it has further emerged that several dissident republicans from west Belfast have been identified as being behind the fake licences scandal. Last week, we revealed how a criminal investigation had been opened into a worrying racket which saw around 80 fake licences revoked following claims they had been obtained without the drivers having to sit the test. Now it has emerged that as well as dodgy driving licences being allegedly 'bought', drivers were also able to purchase an MOT certificate for cars that were never even put through the rigorous MOT test. It means not only were there scores of illegal drivers who potentially may never have even taken a lesson let alone a driving test on the roads of Northern Ireland, but there may have been dozens of cars not fit for purpose out there too. Last week, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said she was 'extremely concerned' by the revelations. Speaking at Stormont, the Sinn Féin MLA did not provide further details on the extent of the alleged fraud. 'There is a legal investigation. I think it would be remiss of me to comment on that, to allow that process to take its course,' she said. 'But obviously I'm extremely concerned to learn about that and I hope that we see a conclusion to that very quickly.' The Sunday World has uncovered further details about the scam including how the gang began operating towards the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. 'This was a well thought-out criminal enterprise which exploited the restrictions of the pandemic,' said a source. 'When people weren't allowed to leave their houses and everything went online there was an opportunity to exploit the DVA licence system. 'But it wasn't just driving licences – fake MOTs could be bought for £150. It was all about knowing the right people who could pull the strings.' Several of those who availed of the service came from the Lenadoon area of west Belfast and sources have told the Sunday World some of them had criminal backgrounds and some were known dissident republicans. However, those benefiting from the fake licences weren't restricted to west Belfast and were mostly living in the greater Belfast area. As revealed last week, one person from the DVA has been removed from their position as a result of the discovery of the scam. As well as a police investigation, the DVA have opened their own internal investigation into how the scam was carried out under their noses. In fact, they have even set up an internal investigations unit and made it clear to staff working for them that they are duty-bound to report any suspicious activity. Last Tuesday, the DUP's Deborah Erskine, chair of the Assembly's infrastructure committee, said the 'implications for road safety are huge'. 'Effectively that means that, right now in Northern Ireland, there are potentially people who are driving with a licence without having sat their test,' she told the Assembly. She also said it was 'important that assurances are given immediately to the A ssembly and to the public on how it is being handled'. A Department for Infrastructure official told the Sunday World last week: 'As this matter is subject to a PSNI investigation we cannot comment at this time.' A PSNI spokesperson told us: 'Police are investigating a number of alleged fraud offences in relation to the issuing of driving licences. We are working closely with officials from DVA and as the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.' In the last few weeks the DVA has been sending out letters to people they suspect may have obtained their licence fraudulently – telling them they must send them back and reapply to do the driving test again. And we understand some drivers have already reapplied and passed the test. Our source said they were not required to sit the theory test. 'It's no wonder they were able to get a licence again so quickly as they have been driving without doing a driving test for so long,' the source said. 'They've had plenty of practice.' The letter stated: 'The Department is not satisfied that the test pass certificate (certificate number) issued to you on (date in May 2024) was validly obtained by you. 'Therefore, the department is not satisfied that you have passed a test of competence as required by the provisions of Article 5 of the Road Traffic Northern Ireland Order 1981 and in those circumstances the Department may not grant you a full driving licence. 'The Department is therefore satisfied that the full driving licence issued to you on (date in May 2024) was issued in error and hereby notifies you... your Northern Ireland driving licence is revoked with effect from five working days after the date shown above.' Those receiving the letters were told they must surrender both parts of their licence within seven days and were advised to use registered post and retain proof of postage. The letter states: 'Failure to surrender a licence without reasonable excuse as an offence, punishable by a fine of up to £1,000. If you fail to surrender your driving licence as directed DVA may contact the PSNI who will be asked to recover the licence. 'You should be aware that it is an offence to retain or use either or both parts of a licence which has been declared lost or stolen.' They were further informed if they want a replacement licence they would have to apply for it from the beginning including the fees. And they warned: 'You should be aware that you're only entitled to hold a provisional driving licence.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
'It is a killer' – MLA calls for action after nearly 300 serious road incidents
Nearly 300 people have been killed or seriously injured on Northern Ireland's roads due to speeding between 2019 and 2023, according to new figures. The stark statistics reveal that 297 lives were lost or significantly impacted over the four-year period due to speed-related collisions, prompting fresh appeals for action from policymakers and enforcement bodies. Deborah Erskine, DUP MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone and chair of the Stormont Infrastructure Committee, described the figures as 'sobering' She said: "Between 2019 and 2023, 297 people were either killed or seriously injured as a result of speeding on our roads. "Behind each of these figures is a family left grieving or a person living with life-altering injuries. "My thoughts are with all those who have suffered loss or trauma." Ms Erskine highlighted young drivers aged 16 to 24 as a group of particular concern, accounting for over two-fifths of serious casualties linked to speeding. Read more: First Minister to open 2025 Sean Mac Diarmada Summer School Males were found to be responsible for more than three-quarters of all such collisions resulting in death or serious injury. She said: "We must ask serious questions about driving culture, education, and enforcement, especially among younger drivers." The data also showed that 70 per cent of speeding-related incidents took place on rural roads, with nearly 40% occurring over the weekend, particularly between 4pm and 10pm. Ms Erskine is now calling for a strategic, cross-departmental response, involving not only law enforcement but also education and public health initiatives. She said: "As chair of the Infrastructure Committee, I am calling for greater urgency and coordination between the minister and all stakeholders, including the PSNI. "Tackling speeding must be a strategic priority, not just a policing issue, with a cross-departmental approach, involving education and enforcement. "One death on our roads is one too many. "There is a role for all of us. "Slowing down, staying alert, and respecting other road users are basic responsibilities that save lives. "We need to change attitudes, especially among those who see speed as a measure of confidence or skill. It isn't – it is a killer.'
ITV News
02-05-2025
- Health
- ITV News
DVA and MoT equipment company 'terminate contract by mutual consent'
Concerns have been raised that the new Hydebank MoT centre, which was initially due to open in 2022, is unlikely to be operational before 2026. UTV can exclusively reveal that the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has reached agreement with the vehicle testing equipment company that was due to kit out the site to 'terminate its contract by mutual consent'. Worldwide Environmental Products Inc (WEP), a US-based company with strong European ties, entered a legal dispute with the DVA in late 2024 after it had received a notice of termination with immediate effect. Gerry Adams tells trial he does not remember how many died on Bloody Friday Centralised cervical cancer screening lab unable to deliver HPV testing The DVA told UTV that a new procurement process is under way and it hopes to 'be in a position to award the new contract later this year'. Deborah Erskine MLA, Chair of Stormont's Infrastructure Committee, welcomes the agreement but has queries over the opening date and the cost to the public purse She said: "The legal process is now over and there has been some agreement reached however what that will mean in practice still has to be realised. "Whenever you look at procurement, whenever you look at tender processes, that takes time. "Realistically, we are looking at a further delay in terms of the test centre being open. "We are potentially looking now at 2026, but again that detail has to come forward from the Department." There are currently 15 MoT vehicle test centres across Northern Ireland. Two more centres are in the pipeline - Hydebank and Mallusk. Both have faced numerous delays. Once the new centres are open, it's expected that they will increase capacity within the MoT system to offer around 200,000 extra vehicle tests each year. Hydebank MoT centre was granted planning permission back in 2019. In the same year WEP Inc secured a contract to supply and install vehicle testing equipment with the DVA. In February 2022, the DVA attempted to end that contract however the company successfully challenged the move in court. A second attempt to end the contract came on 9 October 2024 when the DVA issued WEP Inc with a notice of termination with immediate effect. The then Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, informed his department's scrutiny committee of the move through a written briefing paper in which he accused WEP Inc of 'failing to properly install and commission the equipment in accordance with the contract' - something which the company strenuously refutes and denies. After receiving the notice of termination, WEP once again launched legal proceedings against the DVA. UTV can reveal that the DVA has confirmed that both parties have now agreed to 'terminate the contract by mutual consent'. In a statement, the DVA added: 'An open procurement competition for a new Vehicle Testing Solution has been advertised and it is estimated the DVA will be in a position to award the new contract later this year.' UTV asked the DVA what, if any, financial agreement had been reached with WEP Inc in the termination process. The DVA did not respond. UTV has also contacted WEP for comment. While work is ongoing to open the new test centres, the DVA has reduced the backlog in MoT testing from around 100 days to around 30 days. It's achieved this in a number of ways, including employing more staff and offering tests on Sundays and Bank Holidays. The biggest mitigation, however, has been the DVA's removal of around 10% of cars from the system through the introduction of one year Temporary Exemption Certificates (TECs) for cars aged 5 and 7. A move which has in part enabled the DVA to achieve record breaking testing rates according to the latest data. The Department for Infrastructure recently held a 12-week consultation on the possibility of introducing biennial testing which closed on 16 April 2025.
Irish Independent
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Kneecap gig is ‘a matter for promoter', says Belfast City Council amid terror police probe
An Alliance MLA was also forced to clarify on social media that he was not defending the Irish trio at the centre of another intense row after footage emerged from a November 2023 gig appearing to show one band member saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' Last week, footage emerged of another gig in November last year which seemed to show a band member shouting 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah' at a performance at the Kentish Town Forum where a Hezbollah flag was being displayed. Both Hamas and Hezbollah are banned in the UK and it is a crime to express support for them. Yesterday, the Met Police confirmed it has been 'made aware of a video on April 22, believed to be from an event in November 2024, and it has been referred to the counter-terrorism internet referral unit for assessment and to determine whether any further police investigation may be required'. 'We have also been made aware of another video believed to be from an event in November 2023,' a spokesperson added. The force is assessing both videos to determine whether further police investigation is required. DUP MLA Deborah Erskine said those intending to host the band 'should surely think again' ahead of their scheduled sold-out appearance at this year's Belfast Vital festival at Boucher Road Playing Fields on August 29 as special guests of Dublin indie rockers Fontaines DC. 'We await the outcome of the investigation, but in the meantime, those who have bestowed awards on the group should reconsider the recognition given, and those who intend to host Kneecap should surely think again,' she said. 'Is this really the sort of 'performance' public bodies or businesses want to be associated with?'. The Fermanagh and South Tyrone representative labelled the footage as 'totally unacceptable' branding the band as 'idiotic and attention seeking' while dismissing supporters as 'foolish'. 'For many people. the antics of Kneecap are seen as idiotic and attention-seeking, but more and more so we see that there is an underlying hate to the messages they promote. 'The Palace of Westminster has too many memorials to MPs whose lives were taken because of hate, and the promotion of bigotry. 'It is totally unacceptable that 'Kill a Tory' be the message from any concert. Right from the inception of this band, their merchandise promoted Police vehicles petrol bombed and their very name has connotations'. Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly took to social media just before 11pm on Saturday night to tell followers '[it's] mad to see a party who meets with representatives of proscribed groups complaining about what a rap group says'. The apparent swipe at the DUP sparked a strong reaction with one X user replying '[It's] mad how Alliance can condemn a Loyalist band in Lisburn for a tune, but defend a Republican band chanting Up the RA' before going on to refer to Kneecap's controversial remarks regarding Israel. Almost 12 hours later, the East Antrim representative posted that he believes the comments referred to are 'all wrong' and 'that's not the point I was making'. 'For the avoidance of doubt this tweet was not a defence of Kneecap but merely pointing out it's not acceptable for politicians to meet proscribed groups,' he posted. 'Nor is it ever acceptable to support a proscribed organisation or call for violence.' Music festival Glastonbury has been warned to 'really check' their line-up of performing artists, as the controversy surrounding Kneecap continued to escalate after reality TV star Sharon Osbourne slammed the group for projecting the words 'F**k Israel, Free Palestine' on stage during their Coachella sets earlier this month. Former Attorney General Michael Ellis has warned that although free speech is a 'very important right' it has 'always excluded hate speech'. 'Of course, they're not the first band to attention seek, and so there's no doubt in what you say is right. People have a right to free speech, but it's not a new concept to have a right to hate speech,' he told GB News. Mr Ellis also said, 'Glastonbury and other festivals here in the UK have a responsibility to really check bands whose behaviour may cross that line.' Kneecap is due to perform at the popular festival this summer. Former DUP First Minister Arlene Foster has also weighed in on the row. 'As someone who has often been the subject of Kneecap's 'art', I welcome the fact that the world is waking up to their desire to promote hatred and division,' she posted on X. Tickets for the gig in Belfast went on sale last Friday and sold out within a few hours. In response to the enquiries from the Belfast Telegraph, a spokesperson for Belfast City Council said Kneecap's appearance was a matter for the event promoters. 'Events programming remains a matter for the promoters, MCD. Any concerns raised by an elected member will be considered by the relevant committee,' they said. In the last decade, two MPs have been murdered. British Labour MP Jo Cox's death in 2016 led to additional security measures to all members of Parliament. A further review took place in 2021 after Conservative Sir David Amess was stabbed to death following him holding performing in his Southend West constituency. A UK Government spokesman said: 'We unequivocally condemn threatening remarks made towards any individual. 'Political intimidation and abuse must have no place in our society. We recognise the chilling effect that harassment and intimidation of elected representatives can have on our democracy. 'All reports of intimidation, harassment and threats are taken extremely seriously. We work with the police and Parliament to do everything in our power to crack down on threats to elected officials.' Kneecap, made up of Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, alleged on social media they have 'faced a co-ordinated smear campaign', saying their shows have previously 'called out' the conflict in Gaza. They also appeared to suggest they would be taking legal action against the 'malicious efforts'.
BBC News
26-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Grand Central Station: Irish signs at Belfast hub to cost £150,000
Irish language signage at Grand Central Station in Belfast is set to cost about £150, Minister Liz Kimmins confirmed on Monday plans to install the bilingual signs later in the language campaigners had called for the move, but some unionist politicians have criticised the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) said the funding of "approximately £150,000" would include changes to physical signs and to displays on ticket vending machines. The £340m public transport hub Grand Central Station opened in phases from said she was "committed to the visibility and promotion of Irish language" and it was important the station was "reflective of all citizens".She told BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra programme there were discussions with public transport operator Translink over the cost of new signage."We're in a better position now of understanding what's needed, how much it will cost, and those types of things, and we're happy to move ahead now," she a statement a DfI spokeswoman said the department provided Translink with funding for "capital improvement projects" such as Grand Central said the funding would include changes to physical signs and ticket vending machines. A Translink spokeswoman said the signage was being funded by DfI."Design work to progress additional use of Irish on physical signage and on ticket vending machines at Belfast Grand Central Station will now commence following the announcement by DfI," she language campaigners protested at Grand Central Station over the signage issue shortly after it opened to the at the time defended its handling of the matter, saying that Irish was among the languages used on "multi-lingual welcome signage".It had said discussions about signage were continuing with interest groups and political Unionist Party assembly member Deborah Erskine, chairwoman of Stormont's infrastructure committee, on Monday described the minister's decision as "misguided".She said funding "could and should have been better spent on fixing our roads and improving infrastructure for everyone".Traditional Unionist Voice assembly member Timothy Gaston said it was a "divisive" said he had lodged an assembly petition in an attempt to have the decision referred to Northern Ireland's power-sharing executive for a cross-community petitions need the support of 30 members of the infrastructure minister on Monday said the Irish language was "for everyone" and "nothing to fear".The Sinn Féin minister said she was "committed to delivering equality for everyone".On Tuesday, she told the Northern Ireland Assembly an equality screening exercise on the signage decision found it would have a "minor positive impact".
