NORTHERN IRELAND
BBC News

The biggest public inquiry into child abuse ever held in the UK begin its first public hearings in Northern Ireland on 13 January.

The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry (HIA) is examining abuse claims in children’s homes and juvenile justice over a 73-year period.

It was set up by Northern Ireland’s power-sharing executive to investigate allegations dating from 1922 to 1995.

The inquiry is being chaired by Sir Anthony Hart. He will be assisted in his role by a number of other inquiry members.

The inquiry is also being supported by four acknowledgement forum panel members.