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11/12/2012
Historical Institutional Abuse Bill Passed
A new law has been passed which gives statutory powers to the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry.
The 'Inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse Bill' gives the Inquiry Chairperson Sir Anthony Hart powers to undertake the Inquiry and to compel witnesses and evidence.
The Inquiry into Historical Abuse has been set up to investigate allegations of the abuse of children in state-run and religious institutions.
Junior Minister Jonathan Bell said: "Many people have waited a long time for an investigation and inquiry into what happened. Bearing in mind the need to guard against future abuse, the inquiry will examine if the institutions or the state failed in their duties towards children under 18 in their residential care and if failings were systemic. I hope this will give victims the opportunity to obtain the answers they have long been seeking."
Junior Minister Jennifer McCann said: "Victims were robbed of their dignity, their self respect and their childhoods. The Inquiry gives victims and survivors the opportunity to talk about their experiences and for their suffering to be acknowledged. It will make recommendations about an apology, a memorial and the requirement or desirability for redress by institutions and/or the Executive to meet the particular needs of victims."
Jon McCourt, Chairperson of Survivors and Victims of Institutional Abuse (SAVIA) said: "SAVIA lobbied for this inquiry. We advised on its Terms of Reference and its development. This has been a traumatic journey for some Victims and Survivors over the last three years. We are grateful for the support we have had from OFMDFM Junior Ministers and their staff. We encourage all Victims of Historical Residential Institutional Abuse to contribute to both the Acknowledgement Forum and the formal Inquiry. Those who have already contributed by sharing the stories of their childhoods in Institutions have found it to be a positive and worthwhile experience."
(IT)
The 'Inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse Bill' gives the Inquiry Chairperson Sir Anthony Hart powers to undertake the Inquiry and to compel witnesses and evidence.
The Inquiry into Historical Abuse has been set up to investigate allegations of the abuse of children in state-run and religious institutions.
Junior Minister Jonathan Bell said: "Many people have waited a long time for an investigation and inquiry into what happened. Bearing in mind the need to guard against future abuse, the inquiry will examine if the institutions or the state failed in their duties towards children under 18 in their residential care and if failings were systemic. I hope this will give victims the opportunity to obtain the answers they have long been seeking."
Junior Minister Jennifer McCann said: "Victims were robbed of their dignity, their self respect and their childhoods. The Inquiry gives victims and survivors the opportunity to talk about their experiences and for their suffering to be acknowledged. It will make recommendations about an apology, a memorial and the requirement or desirability for redress by institutions and/or the Executive to meet the particular needs of victims."
Jon McCourt, Chairperson of Survivors and Victims of Institutional Abuse (SAVIA) said: "SAVIA lobbied for this inquiry. We advised on its Terms of Reference and its development. This has been a traumatic journey for some Victims and Survivors over the last three years. We are grateful for the support we have had from OFMDFM Junior Ministers and their staff. We encourage all Victims of Historical Residential Institutional Abuse to contribute to both the Acknowledgement Forum and the formal Inquiry. Those who have already contributed by sharing the stories of their childhoods in Institutions have found it to be a positive and worthwhile experience."
(IT)
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Tributes have been paid following the sudden death of Sir Anthony Hart, the chairman of the Historical Abuse Inquiry. The former high court judge was 73 when he passed away in London this morning, Tuesday 09 July.
17 May 2019
Party Leaders Call For Abuse Victim Compensation
Political leaders in Northern Ireland have penned a joint letter to the Secretary of State Karen Bradley urging her to bring forward legislation to compensate victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse.
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Political leaders in Northern Ireland have penned a joint letter to the Secretary of State Karen Bradley urging her to bring forward legislation to compensate victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse.
15 May 2019
Outrage As Plans For Historical Abuse Compensation Delayed
Political representatives in Northern Ireland have hit out at the Secretary of State Karen Bradley for pushing back the prospect of legislation to give compensation to victims of historical abuse.
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Political representatives in Northern Ireland have hit out at the Secretary of State Karen Bradley for pushing back the prospect of legislation to give compensation to victims of historical abuse.
12 August 2014
Historical Abuse Turns To Australia
The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry is to turn its attentions to a migration scheme that involved the transport of children from Northern Ireland to Australia, when it recommences public hearings at the beginning of September.
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02 November 2001
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
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