Ulster Unionist Party leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA has said that it is vital the necessary legislation to ensure that the Independent Inquiry into institutional child abuse can work effectively is brought forward as quickly as possible.
Speaking after Justice Hart was appointed as chair of the Independent Inquiry into institutional child abuse in Northern Ireland, the OFMdFM committee chair said:
“I welcome the news that Justice Hart has been appointed as chair of the independent inquiry into institutional child abuse. It is vital that the victims of such abuse are provided with the answers they have long been seeking, I hope that today’s announcement is another step closer to the truth and justice for them.’
“I also very much welcome the “acknowledgment forum” which will be set up as part of the inquiry. There are still many in our society who are carrying the burden of abuse that took place over the last number of decades and I am pleased that there will be a support network in place to help them deal with their experiences.’
“It is imperative that the necessary legislation to ensure the inquiry has the powers it needs to work effectively and I would call on the First and deputy First Ministers to ensure this is the case. Victims of institutional abuse have been let down enough in the past, I hope that they are now edging ever closer to gaining the truth that has so shamefully been denied to them up to now.’
