NORTHERN IRELAND
News Letter
Political pressure to have allegations of a paedophile ring at the Kincora Boys’ Home included in a Westminster inquiry is increasing.
First Minister Peter Robinson has added his voice to calls for the terms of reference of the UK’s Child Abuse Inquiry to include claims of paedophilia at the east Belfast home during the 1970s and 80s.
Mr Robinson has also made public a letter from Sir Anthony Hart – the chair of the Northern Ireland Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry (HIA) – stating his belief that “there may be benefits to the UK-wide inquiry examining the relevant allegations into Kincora Boys’ Home”.
The former High Court judge said the HIA does “not have sufficient powers” in its present form to investigate allegations relating to the activity of the Army or MI5 – but added that the HIA could continue to run alongside the Westminster probe.
Mr Robinson said: “I want to see a full investigation into the terrible abuses which occurred in Kincora. Having received this communication from Sir Anthony, it is clear that the proper route to fully investigate the abuse at Kincora Boys’ Home is to have it included in our United Kingdom’s Child Abuse Inquiry.
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