NORTHERN IRELAND
BBC News
Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry – Report Chapters
A report detailing widespread abuse of children in residential homes in Northern Ireland has led to apologies from several institutions involved.
The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry (HIA) examined complaints about 22 homes run by the state, churches and charities between 1922 to 1995.
It found some children were physically and sexually abused by priests and lay people entrusted to look after them.
Church leaders, politicians and victims have been reacting to the findings.
Irish Norbertines
“The Irish Norbertines recognise the tragic harm and hurt caused to innocent children by Brendan Smyth, a deceased member of our community.
“We again unreservedly apologise most sincerely for the hurt and harm caused to so many young people, while also accepting that our management of the man concerned (Smyth) and the accusations presented to us was grossly inadequate.”
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De La Salle Brothers
“We accept and deeply regret that boys in our care were abused. We offer our sincere and unreserved apology to all those whom we failed to protect.
“That some Brothers abused boys in their care was in total contradiction of their vocations as De la Salle Brothers and of their mission as established by our founder – namely to look after the welfare and educational needs of deprived, vulnerable and abandoned children.”
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Sisters of Nazareth
“We again apologise to anyone who has suffered abuse whether psychological, physical, sexual or neglect on any occasion when the sisters’ standard of care fell below what was expected of them.
“It was always the desire of the order to provide a safe place for children and when we failed on any occasion, we want to express our deepest regret.
“This has been a traumatic time for those survivors and victims who have come forward however; we sincerely hope it has also been an opportunity to find some relief.”
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