Stewart Dickson: T1. Mr Dickson asked the Minister for Communities how she will respond to the concerns that were expressed recently by the leading trade union NIPSA about allegations of bullying in Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and to outline the concerns that she has about bullying not only in that council but in local government across Northern Ireland. (AQT 1561/17-22)
Stewart Dickson: Minister, you have launched a review of the energy strategy in Northern Ireland, but do you agree that it has perhaps had a rather inauspicious start, given the alleged reports that certain critical lines in the report from the University of Exeter were removed at the request of your Department?
Stewart Dickson: ...that Marie Stopes is carrying out — or is the Member saying that Marie Stopes clinic in Northern Ireland is carrying out abortions outside the law in Northern Ireland? That is a very serious allegation, if that is the allegation that he is making.
Stewart Dickson: ...Assembly in the future. It has been a long road from the original BBC 'Spotlight' programme in July 2013. In the meantime, the Social Development Committee took on the duty of investigating the allegations put forward in the programme and listening to the stories of those involved. In particular, I wish to place on record my thanks to Councillor Jenny Palmer for her brave, clear and...
Stewart Dickson: ...and July 2014 raises questions about how public money is being used responsibly. If one reads the July report and the RQIA inspection reports, one will find a catalogue of disturbing incidents, allegations and failings. On management and care, reports found various failings in the recording of fluid intake, the keeping of care records, the supervision of staff and the provision of...
Stewart Dickson: I wholly agree with the Member. In the wake of the very serious allegations of wrongdoing, nothing would or should give this House more pleasure than to see Minister McCausland voluntarily stepping aside and submitting himself, his Department, the Housing Executive and his party — the DUP — to a full and independent scrutiny, including, where appropriate, by the police. By doing so, the...
Stewart Dickson: ...restore public confidence. We demand clear answers on the Minister's role and its impact, as well as clarity around the reference to Turkington windows. Did the Minister meet it? There are allegations of improper influence over employees and board members of the Housing Executive, and there are suggestions that the Minister has misled the Assembly and its Committees. Only an...