NORTHERN IRELAND
Guardian
Henry McDonald Ireland correspondent
Tuesday 31 May 2016
The judge heading up a new inquiry into the Kincora boys’ home in which it is alleged that MI5 blackmailed a paedophile ring that operated there during the Troubles has stated he is satisfied all government departments have handed over files relating to the scandal.
On day one of the historical institutional abuse inquiry’s examination of Kincora, Mr Justice Anthony Hart told Banbridge courthouse that he was reassured that the hearing had full access to documents, including those related to the Official Secrets Act.
Critics of the way the inquiry into Kincora has been framed expressed fears the government would use the Official Secrets Act to prevent the Banbridge-based investigation gaining access to files from MI5 and MI6 relating to the alleged use of sex abusers as spies on fellow hardline Ulster loyalists.
At least 29 boys were sexually abused by Kincora housemaster and prominent Orange Order member William McGrath and others at the east Belfast home. One boy is said to have killed himself by jumping off a ferry into the Irish Sea in the late 1970s, following years of abuse.
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