The Democratic Unionist Party’s Simon Hamilton has been appointed as health, social services and public safety minister for Northern Ireland.
This follows the resignation of Jim Wells last month after he made comments linking child abuse to same-sex relationships.
Speaking on his first day as minister, Hamilton, who had been Northern Ireland’s finance minister, said: ‘I can assure the public that despite the budget and resource challenges I face, I will continue to strive for excellence in the care we provide. There will be tough decisions ahead, but I will not shy away from doing what’s right.
‘I am committed to continuing with the transformation agenda including the ‘Transforming Your Care’ vision for the future model of health and social care delivery. This will ensure services are structured and delivered in a safe and sustainable manner, making best use of all resources available to us.’
Photo credit: Northern Ireland Executive
