This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7434398.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Police 'may examine events firm' Police 'may examine events firm'
(20 minutes later)
Police could investigate the Northern Ireland Events Company after a review of its debts uncovered possible fraud, Culture Minister Edwin Poots has said.Police could investigate the Northern Ireland Events Company after a review of its debts uncovered possible fraud, Culture Minister Edwin Poots has said.
It has emerged a secret bank account was kept by the quango, which was set up to bring high-profile pop concerts and sports events to Northern Ireland.It has emerged a secret bank account was kept by the quango, which was set up to bring high-profile pop concerts and sports events to Northern Ireland.
The assembly heard it ran up debts of £1.6m, £0.4m more than first thought.The assembly heard it ran up debts of £1.6m, £0.4m more than first thought.
Mr Poots told assembly members there was no clear evidence of criminal intent or gain by those involved.Mr Poots told assembly members there was no clear evidence of criminal intent or gain by those involved.
However, he said evidence of fraudulent activity warranted further investigation, possibly by the police.However, he said evidence of fraudulent activity warranted further investigation, possibly by the police.
The events company is being wound up and its role - for the time being - taken over by Mr Poots' department.
The company was funded by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.The company was funded by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.
Mr Poots said while the department was not to blame for the debts, it was not robust enough in keeping on top of accounts.Mr Poots said while the department was not to blame for the debts, it was not robust enough in keeping on top of accounts.
He admitted there was a misplaced faith in those who ran the company.He admitted there was a misplaced faith in those who ran the company.
Set up by the government in 1997 to boost Northern Ireland's profile on the international stage, it was best known for attracting acts like Sir Elton John and Pavarotti to play in Stormont's grounds.Set up by the government in 1997 to boost Northern Ireland's profile on the international stage, it was best known for attracting acts like Sir Elton John and Pavarotti to play in Stormont's grounds.