Recommendation R2: Public acceptance of recommendations within six months
From Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry Report, published 18 June 2026.
Recommendation
The DoH should indicate publicly within six months of this report which recommendations it accepts and those it does not accept (and why). This should include the recommendations for all organisations for which the DoH holds primary responsibility. In relation to those recommendations that are accepted, any not implemented, or where there is a failure substantially to progress the recommendation within 12 months, should be brought to the attention of the DoH Permanent Secretary.
In brief (written by this site)
Robbie Butler, Minister of Health, stated in September 2026 that the Department of Health NI will publicly indicate which recommendations it accepts and rejects once a range of work has been completed (Robbie Butler, Sep 2026). The Minister expected to publish this response "well in advance of the six-month deadline set by the Inquiry", reaffirming a July 2026 commitment by Mike Nesbitt to respond swiftly within the timeframe (Mike Nesbitt, Jul 2026; Robbie Butler, Sep 2026).
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 26 Sep 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
Government response
No government response to this recommendation is on the record yet.
Delivery
Department of Health NI says in progress (23 September 2026)
Once this range of work has been completed, my Department will respond to recommendation R2, which requires my Department to indicate publicly within six months which recommendations it accepts, and an explanation of this decision. As outlined by the previous Minister, I expect that my Department will be in a position to provide this response well in advance of the six-month deadline set by the Inquiry.
From: Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry Report Recommendations Departmental Progress Update (written ministerial statement), Robbie Butler, Minister of Health (Northern Ireland)
Earlier statement on delivery (1)
Department of Health NI (28 July 2026)
I have noted Recommendation 2 within the Report which provides a six-month timescale for my Department’s response. My Department is committed to move swiftly to respond to the Recommendations within this timeframe, and I expect a response to be made before that time.
From: AQW 49494/22-27 (Northern Ireland Assembly written question: timetable for implementing the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry recommendations), Mike Nesbitt, Minister of Health (Northern Ireland)
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- Department of Health NI
Delivery statement