Parties To Discuss Recommendations Of Historical Abuse Inquiry

The SDLP, Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), Alliance Party and the Green Party are pushing for a debate in the Assembly to discuss the recommendations of the Historical Abuse Inquiry (HIA).

Former High Court Judge Justice Anthony Hart published his recommendations following the conclusion of the HIA today, 20 January.

The report, which stretches to over 2,000 pages, details the sexual, physical, mental and emotional abuse that children were subjected to in institutional care settings over a significant period.

However the dissolution of the Assembly means that the Executive will not action the report until, or if, a new government can be formed.

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood paid tribute to the "unyielding strength" of victims and survivors who have waited so long for justice and called for that strength to be matched "ounce for ounce by a commitment from all parties to faithfully address their needs".

Ulster Unionist Party Leader Nesbitt said that it would be "unforgiveable" to prolong the wait for redress for those who have suffered.

Mr Nesbitt said: "We support the recommendations in full, it is the least survivors deserve after all these years.

"The strength and courage shown by those who gave evidence, as they had to relive painful, distressing memories needs to be matched with a commitment to deliver the recommendations from Sir Anthony Hart by those who now bear that responsibility.

"The fact that after a lifetime of waiting for an official acknowledgment of their suffering to find it is there but they can’t access it is simply obscene. Redress for victims of historical institutional abuse should not be frustrated because the Executive can’t get its act together. Ministers will stay in place until polling day and I call on them to do whatever it takes to action the recommendations from Sir Anthony Hart."

Justice Minister Clare Sugden said: "We owe a debt of gratitude to every single person who spoke before the Inquiry. They suffered horrendous abuse at the hands of those who should have been caring for them, and when they tried to speak out were branded as liars – in many many cases this denial continued for decades.

"Those who have come forward to tell their stories to the inquiry have shown great courage not only for themselves but on behalf of the many, unnamed and unacknowledged, others who felt unable to come forward, or sadly have not lived to do so.

"Although this abuse took place a long time ago, the Department of Justice operates zero tolerance around child abuse and continually reviews its policies in respect of child protection."

The matter is expected to be discussed at Stormont on Monday, 23 January.

(CD/LM)