A Derry MLA has expressed concern the Health Minister is backtracking on the need for an inquiry into the exploitation of children and young people.
Sinn Fein MLA Maeve McLaughlin
Health Minister Edwin Poots announced an inquiry would take place after revelations that a number of children here were the victims of sexual exploitation.
Maeve McLaughlin, Sinn Fein health spokesperson and chairperson of the Health Committee at Stormont, has now called Mr Poots to appear before the committee and clarify “what exactly is going to take place.”
The Derry MLA said: “While I welcome the passing of the Sinn Féin motion calling for an inquiry yesterday in the Assembly I believe the minister needs to clarify what exactly is the remit of any action he is going to take.
“Is it a review, an investigation or an inquiry? Is it going to be independent and have the power to investigate?”
Ms McLaughlin said these were just some of the questions the minister needed to address.
She added: “This is too serious a subject for concerns not to be addressed in a transparent way and for any inquiry to have some power behind it.
“We must ensure first and foremost that our young and vulnerable children and youth are not put at risk again.”
Ms McLaughlin stressed an inquiry with proper independence, powers to investigate and accountability mechanisms was what was required.
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