Call For Support System For Abuse Victims 'During The Conflict'

Sinn Féin has called for all-Ireland support mechanisms for the victims of sexual abuse "during the conflict".

Party leader Gerry Adams criticised the Taoiseach Enda Kenny for his "failure to respond" to letters sent by Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, urging the establishment of an all-island support system.

Speaking during Taoiseach's Questions on the issue of sexual abuse Gerry Adams said: "Last November Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness wrote to the Taoiseach, to propose the establishment – through the North South Ministerial Council - of an all-island process to deal with the issue of support mechanisms for all of those who were victims of sexual abuse during the conflict.

"He set out the objectives:

• To support victims of abuse in all communities,

• To ensure greater access to counselling and other supports for victims

• And to facilitate victims and survivors in accessing the justice system and making official complaints.

"Survivors must be empowered to access these services and all parties should do everything possible to ensure those survivors who want to come forward feel safe in doing so.

"The anonymity and confidentiality of victims and survivors who may not wish to be identified must be acknowledged and protected.

"I also believe consideration should be given to the promotion of existing help lines to deal with this matter, and if necessary the establishment of dedicated 'hot lines' North and South to facilitate victims and survivors who wish to come forward."

Mr Adams said that Sinn Féin "fully endorse" the proposal for an all-island support system, and that "the priority must be to ensure victims and survivors have access to professional services, including counseling and therapy and a channel through which complaints can be made to the appropriate statutory agency or police service".

(MH/CD)