Stewart Dickson MLA said: “Nelson McCausland’s position as Social Development Minister was no longer tenable following the allegations raised by the Spotlight programme and his incorrect claims surrounding overpayments to Housing Executive contractors.
“McCausland’s refusal to step down was causing further damage to his office. A dark cloud of suspicion has been hanging over the Department for Social Development while he remained as Minister. I will not miss him when he leaves office. While I welcome this announcement, I believe that Peter Robinson should have done it months ago. While the faces may have changed in the Departments for Health and Social Development, it is important that there is also a change in government policy.
“This reshuffle will not affect the Social Development Committee’s inquiry into the Spotlight allegations. Just because he is no longer a Minister does not mean that he should not be held to account for the decisions he made while in office.
“I look forward to working with the new Minister Mervyn Storey and hope that he will carry out his duties in a better manner than his predecessor.”
ENDS