SCOTLAND
Herald Scotland
Stephen Naysmith
Social affairs correspondent
TWO Catholic charities are to lodge a legal objection to the choice of chair for the Scottish Government’s inquiry into the historic abuse of children in care.
The Congregation of the Poor Sisters of Nazareth and the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent De Paul will seek a judicial review today challenging the appointment of Susan O’Brien QC, who is due to take up the post within days.
Last night a senior civil servant wrote to various parties, including several victims of historic child abuse who have campaigned for more than 14 years to achieve an inquiry, warning them about the action being taken by the charities.
The first hearing will be at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, he said, adding: “Please be reassured that the Scottish Ministers are defending this challenge robustly. It is still intended that Ms O’Brien will take up her position as planned on the 1st of July.”
Education Secretary Angela Constance appointed Ms O’Brien last month to head the inquiry which will examine any instance in which a child was abused in care.
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