PM Asked To Show Compassion To Créche Children And Their Families

Opposition Leader Jenny Shipley today called on Prime Minister Helen Clark to show compassion to the parents of the Christchurch Créche children and arrange to fund their legal costs for the Government-imposed inquiry into the Ellis case.

"I have been approached by parents of créche children who are dismayed that they and their children are to face yet another inquiry. Their grief is compounded by the fact that after they met with Minister of Justice Phil Goff to plead their case, he would not fund legal representation for the families of the abused children for their involvement in an inquiry.

"They have since written to Mr Goff asking that he funds a lawyer for the children and their families now that the Government has decided that an inquiry should take place. They await his reply.

"The parents have also tried to contact the Prime Minister's office to seek her help."

Jenny Shipley called on the Prime Minister to show some compassion and balance.

"In deciding to impose a Government inquiry it would be unreasonable if the Government does not pay for professional support for the children and their families as they make submissions. Peter Ellis has had the best of legal advice. These parents and their children are entitled to equal support given that the Government has agreed that this inquiry should take place and the terms of reference are set.

"I call on the Prime Minister to make the decision to support these children and their parents quickly to avoid any further anxiety or distress. While justice must be done, it should not be at the emotional and financial cost of those who have already been through a great deal," Mrs Shipley said.

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