Ministers Issue Apology To Victims And Survivors

Ministers Michelle McIlveen, Conor Murphy, Nichola Mallon, Robin Swann and Naomi Long have today offered a public apology to victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse.

Speaking in the Assembly Chamber at Parliament Buildings, former deputy First Minister and Sinn Féin Vice President, Michelle McIlveen, said: "I am here today, together with my Ministerial colleagues, to apologise to you, victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse; on behalf of the State. To apologise for the systemic failings and systemic abuse documented in the late Sir Anthony Hart's Report and Findings.

"Today we say that we are sorry.

"Whilst in the care of the State you were made vulnerable – we did not ensure all our residential homes were filled with love and safety. We did not ensure these homes were all free from hunger and cold; from mistreatment and abuse.

"It was the State's responsibility to do that, and it failed you.

"We neglected you, rejected you, we made you feel unwanted. It was not your fault. The State let you down.

"When you spoke to us, you told us what this apology needed to say. You told us that the apology had to include the five elements important to making a sincere or meaningful apology. Elements which Professor Anne-Marie McAlinden outlined in her report on apologies and institutional child abuse.

"You told us that you wanted to hear: acknowledgement of the wrong; acceptance of responsibility; expression of regret; assurance of non-repetition; and an offer of repair or corrective action.

"That is what we are going to do. My colleagues and I will each focus on one principle in turn in offering you our sincere apology."

The full transcript of the Minister's apologies can be read here.