Order’s evidence criticised by inquiry

NORTHERN IRELAND
UTV

Delays by a Catholic congregation in submitting evidence to the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry have caused considerable difficulties, a lawyer for the investigation has said.

Material given by the Catholic Sisters of Nazareth order of nuns was not properly ordered and was still being received up to last week, despite hearings being planned for many months, Christine Smith QC for the inquiry said.

Ms Smith said: “This less than whole-hearted and rapid response on the part of the congregation has caused considerable difficulties to the work of the inquiry.

“The congregation is not the only body whose approach has produced problems.

“We do appreciate that this is not always avoidable but we hoped that such late delivery could have been avoided, given the difficulties which it causes for the inquiry.”

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