Wales Should Have Abuse Panel Voice Says Drakeford

Care Appointments
February 7, 2015

http://www.careappointments.co.uk/care-news/wales/item/36499-wales-should-have-abuse-panel-voice-says-drakeford

Wales’ Health and Social Services Minister, Mark Drakeford has called on the UK Government to ensure Wales is fully represented on the independent Panel Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

In a letter to the Home Secretary, Rt Hon Theresa May MP, the Minister has welcomed the appointment of Justice Lowell Goddard to chair the independent Panel, but has repeated calls for the appointment of members “with distinct representation from Wales.”

Mark Drakeford said: “I welcome the announcement that Justice Lowell Goddard has accepted the Home Secretary’s invitation to chair the independent Panel Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. I also welcome the decision to place the Inquiry on a statutory basis under the Inquiries Act 2005.

“The role of the Chair and the Panel is fundamental to securing the confidence of the survivors of abuse and for demonstrating that the work of the Inquiry is both inclusive and transparent. It is equally important that clear and coherent arrangements are in place to ensure that those survivors wishing to give evidence are effectively supported and empowered both in presenting their evidence but also subsequently.