The Ulster Unionist Party has voted in favour of establishing an ad hoc committee to examine and report on whether the provisions of the Welfare Reform Bill conform to equality and human rights requirements.
Party welfare spokesperson, Michael Copeland MLA said:
“The potential ramifications of the Welfare Reform Bill as presently presented are so enormous that neither my Party, nor I could in conscience leave any stone unturned in our scrutiny of this Bill.’
“The Social Development Minister and his Department have effectively sat on this Bill since it received Royal Assent in March and I am on record as having repeatedly called for it to be brought before the DSD committee for scrutiny. This only happened on the 9th October.’
“During the scrutiny period the committee received evidence and submissions from around 60 groups, many of who repeatedly stressed concerns regarding the equality and human rights implications of the Bill.’
“We are therefore content to allow these issues to be addressed in the format made possible by the establishment of the ad hoc committee. The responsibility for the delay resides with the Minister and his Department, who have effectively swallowed the Welfare Reform Bill with few questions asked, or answered as to how it will affect Northern Ireland. Given the serious implications for all citizens of this country, it should never have been approached in this light handed manner by the Minister.’
“He will no doubt sabre rattle about the possible cost implications, but the fact remains that he sat on the Bill for seven months and the responsibility is his.’