Report into Allegations of Child Abuse at Residential Homes in Derry Presented Today to the Northern Ireland Assembly

Derry Now
January 6, 2017

https://www.derrynow.com/news/report-allegations-child-abuse-residential-homes-derry-presented-today-northern-ireland-assembly/138262

A report has been completed into allegations of child abuse at a number of residential homes in Derry.

The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry was set up in 2013 to look at historical abuse claims at homes throughout Northern Ireland

These included former children’s residential homes in Derry at St Joseph’s Home at Termonbacca, Nazareth House Children’s Home, Fort James and Harberton House.

The inquiry also dealt with institutions run by the Good Shepherd Sisters in Derry, Belfast and Newry.

The inquiry today submitted its report to the First Minister and deputy First Minister.

Its findings will be made public on January 20.

In delivering his Report the Inquiry Chairman, Sir Anthony Hart said: “I want to thank everyone who came forward to tell us of their experiences as I know how hard it was for many to find the courage to do so.

“I also want to thank all those who worked with the Inquiry in a co-operative way, and by doing so helped my colleagues and myself to complete our Report on time.”

The publication of the Report brings to a conclusion the Inquiry’s investigation into historical institutional abuse.

The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry was formally established in January 2013 by the Northern Ireland Executive.

Its remit was to investigate child abuse that occurred in residential institutions in Northern Ireland over a 73-year period from 1922 to 1995.

Public hearings in the former Banbridge Courthouse opened on January 13, 2014 and concluded in July 2016.

During the course of the public evidence sessions the Inquiry heard from 527 witnesses.