AQO 1371/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 09/01/2025
Answered On Date: 06/02/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on what their Department is doing to support victims and survivors of historical clerical abuse.

Answer:

We recognise how important the issue of clerical child abuse is, and we are aware of the devastating impact it has had on many people.

Work is progressing on the three separate pieces of research that we have commissioned: one of which will be recording experiences and expectations of victims and survivors. This will include the views of victims and survivors on the support services available and will highlight any deficits in the current service provision.

Currently counselling support is provided at all Interdepartmental Working Group Historical Clerical Child Abuse Reference Group meetings. Additionally, Listening Ear support is available from qualified counsellors to the victims and survivors taking part in the research.

We look forward to the conclusion of the research projects in Spring this year, and subsequently seeing the final project reports and recommendations from the Interdepartmental Working Group.