1 July 2026

SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has slammed the Executive’s failure to deliver a Regional Children and Families Authority.

Its establishment was recommended by the 2023 Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Services.

The decision was announced by the Health and Justice Ministers on Wednesday.

South Down MLA Colin McGrath said:

“Today’s announcement is another damning indictment of Executive inaction. It's clear we have an Executive that seems far more comfortable commissioning reviews, inquiries and investigations than actually implementing the recommendations that come from them.

“Professor Ray Jones carried out an independent review of children’s social care and made clear recommendations, including the establishment of a Regional Children and Families Authority. Three years later, Ministers have effectively parked that recommendation, citing cost, complexity and competing priorities.

“Children and young people deserve better than another report gathering dust on a shelf. We have seen this pattern repeated time and time again across government. Reviews are welcomed, experts are thanked, recommendations are accepted in principle, but when the time comes to make difficult decisions and deliver meaningful reform, the Executive retreats.

“I also find the timing of today’s announcement deeply concerning. Releasing such a significant decision on the first day after the Assembly has risen for the summer means Ministers avoid immediate scrutiny in the Chamber. Whether deliberate or not, it has the effect of insulating Ministers from the accountability they owe to the Assembly and, more importantly, to the children and families affected by this decision.”