§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consideration he took of the independent advocate's report when coming to his decision to close the Banks residential home; what account he took of the commitment of the North Down trust to existing residents that they would be allowed to remain there; and if he will protect the rights of existing residents to remain in the Banks if it should be sold. [23330]
§ Mr. MossI have taken fully into account the independent advocate's report along with all the other views and representations which have been made to me.
I respect the North Down and Ards community trust's desire to accommodate the wishes of the residents and to provide a further option in terms of future accommodation. I have asked the trust to proceed with inquiries with the independent nursing homes sector about how the site can be redeveloped while allowing the residents to remain.
However, the disposal of the site will have to be handled in light of Government rules about disposal of assets and value for money and demonstration of fair and open competition. As a result there can be no guarantee that the desired outcome will materialise.