NEWS | N,IRLAND| N. Ireland Politics | America

Union County Democratic Party
PO Box 81, Monroe, NC 28111

Office Address: 201 North Main Street,
Monroe, North Carolina 28112, United States

Phone: (704) 681-7760
Email: info@ucdemsnc.org

[Date: 31/05/2024]

Dear Members of the Union County Democratic Party, et al

I am writing to you with regard to the speech given by Diane Forsythe, as shown on the Parliament channel today, May 31, 2024, at 8:05 PM. Ms. Forsythe, as a Speaker in the Northern Ireland Assembly, indeed plays a crucial role despite the apparent lack of external contacts. Her role involves maintaining order during debates, ensuring that parliamentary proceedings run smoothly, and representing the Assembly to the public.

While external contacts can be valuable, her effectiveness as a Speaker primarily depends on her ability to facilitate discussions, uphold parliamentary rules, and promote transparency within the legislative process. Sometimes, it’s the internal workings that make the most significant impact. Her ability to manage internal affairs, ensure robust debate, and uphold democratic principles is paramount to the effective functioning of the Assembly.

Additionally, it is apparent that the Interim Director in South Down, Newry, Northern Ireland, is acting unlawfully. Her objectives for more care funding appear flawed. Such actions undermine the integrity of the system and raise serious concerns about the allocation and management of resources intended for public welfare. There must be a comprehensive review of her actions to ensure that all activities are in compliance with legal standards and ethical norms.

There are alarming reports of coercive behavior by social workers in the South Down, Newry area over the past 13 years. As detailed in the article “Coercive Behavior by Social Workers” on May 26, 2024, there have been numerous instances where social workers have overstepped their authority, using intimidation and coercion tactics that have severely impacted families and individuals in the community. These actions not only violate ethical standards but also erode public trust in social services. It is critical to address these behaviors promptly and ensure that social workers are held to the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.

Furthermore, there is a troubling lack of transparency in how social work decisions are made and implemented. As highlighted in the article “Social Work England: Addressing Critical Child Welfare Issues” on May 26, 2024, there have been significant issues related to the opaque nature of social work practices. Critical decisions affecting child welfare are often made without adequate explanation or documentation, leading to confusion and mistrust among affected families. This lack of transparency hinders accountability and undermines the effectiveness of social services. Clear guidelines and transparent processes must be established to restore confidence in the system.

Moreover, it is crucial to highlight the clear legal requirements in child care, particularly regarding consent and child welfare. As described in the article “Consent and Child Welfare: Section 20 in Northern Ireland vs. England” on May 26, 2024, there are stringent legal frameworks that must be adhered to in both jurisdictions. In Northern Ireland, Section 20 emphasizes the necessity of obtaining proper consent for child welfare decisions, ensuring that the rights of children and their families are protected. Any deviation from these legal requirements is not only unethical but also unlawful. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is essential to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children.

Core Current Expenditure
Core current expenditure will reach €78.7 billion, an increase of €4.4 billion or 5.9 per cent in 2024. This funding reflects a clear vision for the continuous improvement and delivery of better public services. Budget 2024 outlines core capital expenditure of €12.6 billion in 2024. In 2024, core capital expenditure will increase by approximately €0.9 billion or 8 per cent over the 2023 allocation set out in the Mid-Year Expenditure Report (MYER)

Additionally, Sir Robert’s report on the expenditure budget has raised critical concerns about the financial management and allocation of resources in child care services. As discussed in the article “Effects and Implications of Outsourcing Children’s Care in England” on May 22, 2024, outsourcing children’s care has led to significant cost-cutting measures that often compromise the quality of care provided. The report highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability in the budgeting process to ensure that funds are used effectively to support the welfare of children. This necessitates a thorough review of current expenditure and the implementation of measures to ensure that all funds are allocated and used appropriately.

In summary, legal requirements in child care, including consent and child welfare, must be strictly adhered to in order to protect the rights of children and their families. Transparency and accountability in social work practices are essential to restore public trust in social services. Furthermore, effective budget management and oversight are crucial to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently to support the welfare of children in need.

I appreciate your observation about the concerning fact that the Northern Ireland Assembly has not been operational for 13 years. The absence of parliamentary proceedings can have significant implications for governance, representation, and decision-making. While I don’t have direct insight into the reasons behind this prolonged hiatus, it highlights the importance of addressing any obstacles or challenges that prevent the Assembly from functioning effectively.

In situations like this, it’s crucial for political leaders and stakeholders to come together, find common ground, and work towards reestablishing a functional legislative body. Whether it’s internal disagreements, external pressures, or other factors, the ultimate goal should be to serve the interests of the people and uphold democratic processes.

A summary of the legal points raised in your letter

1. Legal Standards for Parliamentary Conduct: Ms. Diane Forsythe’s role as a Speaker in the Northern Ireland Assembly involves maintaining order during debates, upholding parliamentary rules, and ensuring transparency within the legislative process. While external contacts are valuable, her effectiveness primarily depends on her ability to manage internal affairs and uphold democratic principles, which are legally mandated.
2. Review of Director’s Actions: The Interim Director in South Down, Newry, Northern Ireland, is suspected of acting unlawfully in her pursuit of additional care funding. Legal standards and ethical norms require a comprehensive review of her actions to ensure compliance with laws governing resource allocation and public welfare. Evidence Link: “Coercive Behavior by Social Workers” on May 26, 2024
3. Ethical and Legal Concerns Regarding Social Work Practices: Reports of coercive behavior by social workers in the South Down, Newry area raise ethical and legal concerns. Such actions violate professional standards and erode public trust. Legal requirements demand that social workers adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. Evidence Link: “Social Work England: Addressing Critical Child Welfare Issues” on May 26, 2024
4. Transparency in Social Work Decisions: The lack of transparency in social work decisions, particularly regarding child welfare, undermines accountability and effectiveness. Legal standards necessitate clear guidelines and transparent processes to restore confidence in social services.
5. Legal Requirements in Child Care: Stringent legal frameworks, such as Section 20 in Northern Ireland, mandate proper consent for child welfare decisions to protect the rights of children and their families. Compliance with these regulations is essential to safeguarding their well-being. Evidence Link: “Consent and Child Welfare: Section 20 in Northern Ireland vs. England” on May 26, 2024
6. Oversight in Budget Management: Sir Robert’s report on the expenditure budget highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability in the allocation of resources for child care services. Legal standards dictate a thorough review of current expenditure to ensure efficient resource allocation for the welfare of children. Evidence Link: “Effects and Implications of Outsourcing Children’s Care in England” on May 22, 2024

In conclusion, adherence to legal standards is imperative across various aspects discussed in the letter, including parliamentary conduct, social work practices, child welfare, and budget management. Upholding these standards ensures the protection of rights, transparency, and effective governance in addressing critical issues affecting the community.