SCOTLAND
BBC News
December 2014 – Abuse inquiry set up
Following a series of disclosures of abuse in childcare institutions in Scotland, the Scottish government announced that it would be setting up an inquiry to examine the details. Ministers said panel members and a chairman would be appointed in due course.
May 2015 – Susan O’Brien appointed
Leading QC Susan O’Brien was appointed to chair the inquiry, which will have statutory powers to compel witnesses to give evidence.
The new head said she would give full details of how the inquiry would operate once panel members had been appointed by the Scottish government.
She added at the time: “It would be helpful if all other interested parties made themselves known to the inquiry now, so that their views can also be taken into account.”
22 February 2016 – Susan O’Brien QC makes comments
During a training session attended by 10 inquiry team members, she appeared to make light of the abuse suffered by an individual at a boarding school.
09 May 2016 – Scottish government informed of concerns
Psychologist Claire Fyvie, who attended training session, emails government to say that she has concerns about comments made by Ms O’Brien.
10 May 2016 – Susan O’Brien rejects criticism
The chair, other panel members and senior counsel to the inquiry, reject characterisation of Ms O’Brien as a “person whose attitudes, values and beliefs are incompatible with the post of chair of a public inquiry into child abuse”.
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