Reacting to the news revealed on the Nolan programme that the Department of Communities has been sitting for six weeks on a request for help for the housing of Afghan refugees, Andy Allen MBE MLA said:
“I am beyond shocked at hearing that the Department for Communities was approached six weeks ago to set in motion procedures to support accommodating Afghan refugees.
“The Minister needs to explain why this matter was not immediately brought before the Executive. Her department is tasked with protecting the most vulnerable, and in this case it appears the Department of Communities stood idly by despite a request for help.
“I served in Afghanistan and saw first-hand the barbaric nature of the Taliban towards the Afghan people. It is imperative we as part of the United Kingdom play our part in providing help.”