Red Sky scandal

In 2010, a BBC investigation found that there were complaints against the firm Red Sky dating back to 2007. The complaints centred around Red Sky's work in west Belfast being of "poor standard". In two cases, it was discovered that Red Sky had billed the Housing Executive for work that was never actually completed. At an emergency meeting of the Housing Executive, the board decided not to overturn its decision. The Housing Executive "raised concerns" in a letter to its board members about meetings "held between McCausland, First Minister of Northern Ireland Peter Robinson and other DUP elected representatives with the former senior management at Red Sky." firm. They claimed "sectarian bias" on part of the Housing Executive. Brimstone wanted her to overturn the decision to cancel Red Sky's contract. She said that there had been "an effort to keep the sectarian card alive" in relation to the board meeting. ==Committee inquiry==

The Social Development Committee at the Northern Ireland Assembly held an inquiry into the Spotlight claims. The report concluded that McCausland "acted inappropriately" by asking for Red Sky's contract to be extended. Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey, deputy chairperson of the committee, said Palmer's evidence was "convincing, consistent and compelling". The DUP MLAs on the committee, however, disagreed with the report and compiled a minority report which was in favour of McCausland. Their report said he "in fact ultimately supported the Housing Executive's decision to proceed with the termination of the contracts". At a vote in the Assembly, MLAs voted to "note" the committee's report and it was passed by 55 votes to 32. ==References==