Ulster Unionist MLA, Robin Swann Deputy Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on Welfare Reform, has described today`s failure of OFMDFM officials to appear before the Committee as totally unacceptable.
Mr Swann said, “The failure of OFMDFM`s Equality Unit to appear before the Adhoc Committee on Welfare Reform today is totally unacceptable. They know that the clock is ticking and a report from the Adhoc Committee on Welfare Reform has to be finalised by 22nd January 2013. We simply have no time to waste. The input of OFMDFM`s Equality Unit, who have oversight of Section 75, is vital to this whole process.”
“Welfare Reform is one of the most important pieces of legislation to appear before the Assembly. If the Adhoc Committee is to fulfil its role, then OFMDFM and its officials need to fulfil their roles too in a timely and efficient manner. Otherwise this is just a talking shop.”