SINN Fein’s Karen Mullan has expressed disappointment that an independent review of how the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment is working here did not recommend de-privatising the assessment process.
Speaking following the release of the review, which was commissioned by the Department for Communities, the Foyle MLA commented:
“I am disappointed that there is no recommendation for ending the privatisation of the assessment process.
Sinn Féin believe that these assessments should be carried out by department officials.
“We have written and spoken to the chair of the review group at length and we do welcome the news that some recommendations that we discussed have been incorporated.
“We do welcome the recommendation that all assessment interviews should be audio and visually recorded and that the definition of terminal illness should change.
“Whilst these recommendations will improve elements of the assessment process, we will push for their speedy implementation.
“Sinn Fein will continue to fight for further changes including an end to the privatisation of Assessments for PIP,” she added.
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