To ask the Minister of Health when he will finalise the terms of reference for the Inquiry into Muckamore Abbey Hospital.

I have committed to engaging with both current and former patients and their families and carers to seek their views on the Terms of Reference for the Inquiry and my officials are currently working with the Patient and Client Council (PCC) to develop plans for this engagement which I expect to take place by the end of November. This engagement will inform my decision on an Inquiry Chair and the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference.

I expect to be in a position to appoint the Chair for the Inquiry into Muckamore Abbey Hospital later this autumn and, in line with the Cabinet Office best practice guidance on Government inquiries, I will consult with the Chair about the appointment of other panel members and the Terms of Reference for the Inquiry.