Written answers

Wednesday, 13 September 2006

What are written answers?

Northern Ireland

Meetings

All Written Answers on 13 Sep 2006 « Previous answer Next answer »

David Simpson (Upper Bann, Democratic Unionist) Hansard source

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what meetings have taken place involving the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Police Service of Northern Ireland and senior representatives of the Roman Catholic Church since 27 February; what information was provided in relation to (a) each diocese fully within Northern Ireland and (b) each diocese that straddles the border with the Republic of Ireland; when he expects to be in a position to make recommendations as a result of such meetings; and whether he plans to establish an independent inquiry into this matter.

Officials from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) met senior representatives of the Roman Catholic Church on 8 March 2006.

No meetings have taken place between the PSNI and senior representatives of the Roman Catholic Church since 27 February 2006.

At the meeting on the 8 March 2006, the Roman Catholic Church provided statistics pertaining to the number of allegations of child abuse within the Roman Catholic Church within Northern Ireland.

The Department have agreed to read and comment on the revised guidance produced by the Roman Catholic Church for the Northern Dioceses.

On completion of ongoing consultations, all possible options will be considered including the need for an independent inquiry and recommendations will be made.