Dickson: DUP actions will not stop DSD committee inquiry

Alliance Social Development spokesperson, Stewart Dickson MLA, has criticised the DUP members of the Social Development committee, whose continued interruptions during an evidence session into the Spotlight allegations, forced the meeting to be adjourned. The Social Development Minister was giving evidence as part of the committee’s inquiry into the allegations raised by Spotlight last year.

Stewart Dickson MLA said: “I am disappointed that an Executive Minister could not defend himself in front of an Assembly committee and had to rely on his party colleagues to make spurious points of order to prevent proper questioning.

“I do not think the DUP committee members have done the Minister any favours. They have made him look poor and weak. It has made the committee look like a laughing stock.

“These are very serious matters that the committee is investigating. The actions of the DUP have shown what little regard they have for these claims. These events will not stop the inquiry getting to the truth. The Minister must return to the Committee as soon as possible, where hopefully we can have a proper meeting without interruption.”

ENDS