Speaking after the matter was discussed at this morning’s meeting of the DSD Committee Jim Allister said:
“Over a year after it was reported that DUP councillor Jenney Palmer was promised a public apology for her treatment by Stephen Brimstone, the Special Adviser to the DSD Minister, Minister McCausland wrote, just before he left office, to the Social Development Committee refusing to disclose the outcome of the investigation into Mr Brimstone.
“It is important to remember that Mr Brimstone was investigated as a temporary civil servant for potential breaches of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Code and for potential breaches of the Special Adviser’s Code. This investigation was, quite correctly, commenced by the Permanent Secretary in the Department of Social Development, not the Minister. Therefore the Permanent Secretary should be in receipt and charge of the report rather than the former Minister.
“It seems however that then Minister McCausland high-handedly intervened and it was he who considered the report and concluded, conveniently, that no action needed to be taken.
“Mr McCaulsand has treated the committee in a totally contemptuous way which is totally unacceptable, particularly as the Committee is investigating the SPAD’s behaviour. Clearly, Mr McCausland does not wish to assist that investigation. I welcome the decision of the committee to request legal advice on compelling the report.”