Terms of reference for McDermott case published

The terms of reference for the independent review of the McDermott case have been published today.

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has asked the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority to carry out the review and an interim report is expected in early November.

Minister McGimpsey said: "Once again, I want to express my deep sympathies to all the survivors of sexual abuse and to the community in Donagh. I know this has been a particularly difficult and distressing time for them and it is essential that everyone who has been affected has the space and support they need to come to terms with what has happened.

"I want to assure all the survivors of abuse in Donagh that this review will be done as quickly as possible and that any recommendations emerging will be actioned.

"The review is case specific and will examine the Western Health and Social Care Trust’s duties and responsibilities in relation to the McDermott case."

Notes to editors:

1. The terms of reference of the review are: To describe the discharge of the Western Health and Social Care Trust’s statutory duties, and responsibilities in regard to the supervision, care and treatment of James Francis and Owen Roe McDermott from the point at which they were arrested, in relation to offences pertaining to sexual abuse, to 30 September 2010. To describe the actions of the Western Health and Social Care Trust in relation to communication with the survivors of Donagh abuse, and the provision of services to support them. To review the Western Health and Social Care Trust’s actions, including governance and management arrangements relating to the supervision, care and treatment of the brothers, taking account of the relevant legislation, policy and guidelines. To examine the effectiveness of the Western Health and Social Care Trust’s engagement with other statutory organisations involved in the management of the case, including public protection. To consider other relevant matters that emerge during the course of the review. To identify any learning from the case and make recommendations for health and social care organisations. To identify any learning to further promote joint working with criminal justice agencies in the future management of such cases.

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