To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) his assessment of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's response to reports of safeguarding issues within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland; and (ii) his next steps regarding this.

The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI) has operational independence as the statutory regulator of the charity sector in Northern Ireland. While my Department sponsors CCNI, it has no direct role in the delivery of the CCNI’s statutory functions.

I am aware that the Charity Commissioners have decided to open a statutory inquiry into the Presbyterian Church in Ireland; they have authority to examine whether there has been misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of the charity.

I am satisfied that the Charity Commission is taking necessary action under its authority as the statutory regulator.