Menu
14/02/2019
MP Demands Public Inquiry Into Muckamore Abbey
A DUP MP has called on the Secretary of State Karen Bradley to hold a public inquiry into the allegations of abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital in County Antrim.
It comes amid a police investigation into claims that a number of vulnerable patients were subjected to physical and mental abuse.
Gavin Robinson described the situation as "a scandal" and urged the Secretary to take immediate action during a parliamentary session in the House of Commons.
A review in December 2018 discovered that the facility had allowed a culture of tolerating harm.
"I have listened to the heart breaking stories from loved ones when I met with them and I am disgusted at how they have been let down," the east Belfast MP said.
"Furthermore, I raised it personally with the Secretary of State, Karen Bradley. One of the consequences of no Executive is that there is no political oversight of the scandal of abuse at Muckamore Abbey. This issue hasn't had the full consideration in the House of Commons and it won't have full consideration in Northern Ireland with no functioning Executive.
"Everyone knows that this was supposed to be a sanctuary for adults with learning disabilities. Instead they were physically abused and assaulted by people who were entrusted with their care. Investigations should take place, with no stone left unturned.
"The Secretary of State knows that she is the only person through the inquiries act who can open a public inquiry into this. There are families that deserve answers and who need to have closure on this matter."
Meanwhile, the Belfast Trust is set to develop a review into the governance, leadership and management in relation to allegations of abuse at the hospital.
A committee will be established, including the trusts directors, with an independent panel to set the terms of reference.
(JG)
It comes amid a police investigation into claims that a number of vulnerable patients were subjected to physical and mental abuse.
Gavin Robinson described the situation as "a scandal" and urged the Secretary to take immediate action during a parliamentary session in the House of Commons.
A review in December 2018 discovered that the facility had allowed a culture of tolerating harm.
"I have listened to the heart breaking stories from loved ones when I met with them and I am disgusted at how they have been let down," the east Belfast MP said.
"Furthermore, I raised it personally with the Secretary of State, Karen Bradley. One of the consequences of no Executive is that there is no political oversight of the scandal of abuse at Muckamore Abbey. This issue hasn't had the full consideration in the House of Commons and it won't have full consideration in Northern Ireland with no functioning Executive.
"Everyone knows that this was supposed to be a sanctuary for adults with learning disabilities. Instead they were physically abused and assaulted by people who were entrusted with their care. Investigations should take place, with no stone left unturned.
"The Secretary of State knows that she is the only person through the inquiries act who can open a public inquiry into this. There are families that deserve answers and who need to have closure on this matter."
Meanwhile, the Belfast Trust is set to develop a review into the governance, leadership and management in relation to allegations of abuse at the hospital.
A committee will be established, including the trusts directors, with an independent panel to set the terms of reference.
(JG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 November 2001
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
30 November 2020
Govt Urged To Announce Pat Finucane Inquiry
The British government has been urged to "listen to the demands from the Finucane family" and others and announce a public inquiry into the killing of Pat Finucane.
Govt Urged To Announce Pat Finucane Inquiry
The British government has been urged to "listen to the demands from the Finucane family" and others and announce a public inquiry into the killing of Pat Finucane.
12 September 2013
No Public Inquiry Into Omagh Bombing
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP, has decided not to instigate a public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the Real IRA bombing in Omagh on 15 August 1998.
No Public Inquiry Into Omagh Bombing
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP, has decided not to instigate a public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the Real IRA bombing in Omagh on 15 August 1998.
07 February 2006
Finucane family anger following Hain meeting
The family of murdered North Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane met with Northern Ireland Secretary of State Peter Hain today as they continued to seek a full public inquiry into loyalist collusion with police and the British army in the 17-year-old murder case.
Finucane family anger following Hain meeting
The family of murdered North Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane met with Northern Ireland Secretary of State Peter Hain today as they continued to seek a full public inquiry into loyalist collusion with police and the British army in the 17-year-old murder case.
09 July 2019
Tributes As Abuse Inquiry Chair Dies
Tributes have been paid following the sudden death of Sir Anthony Hart, the chairman of the Historical Abuse Inquiry. The former high court judge was 73 when he passed away in London this morning, Tuesday 09 July.
Tributes As Abuse Inquiry Chair Dies
Tributes have been paid following the sudden death of Sir Anthony Hart, the chairman of the Historical Abuse Inquiry. The former high court judge was 73 when he passed away in London this morning, Tuesday 09 July.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
