The family of Arthur McElhill called for privacy at this difficult time.

Mr McElhill's parents, Charles and Patricia McElhill, from Tiermacspirid, Ederney, issued a statement on behalf of the McElhill family following the publication of the Independent Report. In it, they said: "The McElhill family recognises the work conducted by the Review Panel raises many difficult and sensitive issues. We would ask that the privacy of the family be respected as we continue to try to come to terms with our immeasurable loss following the tragic events of 13 November 2007."

Meanwhile, the Health and Social Services Minister, Michael McGimpsey said: "This Report has some 63 recommendations aimed at all agencies involved in supporting and protecting children and families. While the Report concludes there is no evidence anyone working with the family could have known the fire would happen, there is absolutely no doubt there were failings on the part of health and social services. I want to see immediate action taken to address the deficits which have come to light."

The Western Health and Social Care Trust's Director of Women and Children's Services, John Doherty, said: "The Trust takes very seriously the findings which indicates a number of deficits, particularly in relation to information dissemination and communication. We have taken immediate action to address the most pressing areas. This includes: reducing the number of unallocated cases; reducing the backlog in minutes; strengthening the management arrangements in the Omagh Office, and initiating a review of the out of hour services."