Those found guilty of participating in riots in Portadown could be subject to benefit fraud investigations.
The Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons, was asked whether those involved in disorder in early June would be investigated by the Minister’s benefit fraud team.
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstong tabled the question asking Mr Lyons to outline “if those found guilty of participation in violent disorder in early June against the community in Ballymena, Portadown and other areas will be investigated by the Minister’s benefit fraud team”.
Ms Armstrong asked that those who are found guilty of “taking part in such disorder have not claimed they have limited capacity for work”.
In his response to his Assembly colleague, Mr Lyons said his department “will consider information provided by law enforcement agencies and will initiate benefit fraud investigations on those found guilty of participation in the recent violent disorder across Northern Ireland, where there is credible evidence suggesting that those individuals have been fraudulently claiming benefits.”
He added: “If an individual is suspected of benefit fraud, reports can be made in confidence online via nidirect or by contacting the Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 975 6050.”
So far, a number of people have been arrested and charged with offences relating to the riots and disorder in Portadown in June.
Police, today (Tuesday), issued CCTV images of two males they are keen to speak to in relation to that disorder.
