Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson, Roy Beggs has written to Edwin Poots to act on child abuse allegations and move to quickly appoint someone to review his department’s child protection systems.
The East Antrim MLA said:
“Like many others I was deeply shocked by recent revelations of sexual exploitation of children in our care homes.
“Whilst it would be inappropriate for me to comment on ongoing criminal investigations it is important that Edwin Poots moves quickly to appoint a truly independent expert to review policies and procedures within his Department to ensure maximum protection is afforded to vulnerable children and to show that everything that can be done is being done.
“An independent review must have unrestricted access to all relevant material and the appointee real expertise in child protection.
“I can think of no-one better for such a role than Jim Gamble and I have written to the Health Minister requesting he move quickly to ascertain Mr Gamble’s availability for such a role.
“The swift appointment of someone of the standing of Mr Gamble would not only restore public confidence in our care system but could at an early stage improve procedures and process and thus reduce the risk to vulnerable young people.
“It is important that any recommendations arising from such a review are acted on by the Health Minister and his Department.”