NORTHERN IRELAND
Belfast Telegraph
By Joanne Fleming
PUBLISHED
17/10/2016
Victims of historical child abuse in Northern Ireland are to press for a compensation scheme of up to £30m at Stormont today.
The scheme could provide redress for hundreds of children who suffered abuse in residential institutions between 1922 and 1995, such as the Kincora Boys’ Home in Belfast and victims of the notorious paedophile priest Brendan Smyth.
While the scheme would cost at least £20m, the victims argue it will save the public purse over £10m compared to the costs of compensation via the courts.
The Historic Institutional Abuse (HIA) inquiry is currently examining allegations of child abuse in homes and other institutions over the 73-year period.
The HIA began its public evidence sessions at the former Banbridge Court House in 2014 and is due to report to the Executive in January 2017. The compensation is based on a figure of 524 eligible victims who have made applications to the HIA.
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