Donagh Abuse Brothers Probe Outlined

The controversial case of two sex-abuse brothers allowed back to their home village along the Fermanagh border has taken a new turn.

Although they have since admitted themselves to hospital for treatment, a probe is to take place with the terms of reference for the independent review of what is known as the Donagh child sex abuse case just published.

NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, asked the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) to carry out the review.

It will make recommendations for health and social care groups.

It was "case specific" and would examine the Western Health and Social Care Trust's duties and responsibilities in relation to the McDermott case.

"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.

"Once again, I want to express my deep sympathies to all the survivors of sexual abuse and to the community in Donagh, Mr McGimpsey said.

The review will also examine the Western Trust's statutory duties, and responsibilities in regard to the supervision, care and treatment of James Francis and Owen Roe McDermott from their arrested and in relation to sexual abuse claims.

The review will be carried out by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) with the Justice Minister, David Ford having agreed the final terms of reference with the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice, Dr Michael Maguire.

It will look at the discharge of the Western Health and Social Care Trust's statutory duties and describe the actions of Trust in relation to communication with the survivors of Donagh abuse, and the provision of services to support them.

It will also look at governance and management arrangements relating to the supervision, care and treatment of the brothers, taking account of the relevant legislation, policy and guidelines and examine the effectiveness of the Trust's engagement with other statutory organisations involved in the management of the case, including public protection and to consider other relevant matters that emerge during the course of the review.

In conclusion it will seek to "identify any learning from the case and make recommendations for health and social care organisations" and "promote joint working with criminal justice agencies in the future management of such cases".

(BMcC/KMcA)