East Belfast MP Mrs Long said Home Secretary Theresa May’s announcement of the new Child Sex Abuse Inquiry, to be chaired by New Zealand judge Justice Lowell Goddard, now provided a chance for Kincora Boys’ Home to be incorporated.
The original inquiry suffered several setbacks since first being announced, with two previous chairs stepping down due to their links with the establishment.
Mrs Long said today’s news brought the prospect of victims’ confidence in the inquiry being restored after a number of false starts.
“The CSA Inquiry needs a strong chair who commands respect from all and, most importantly, the confidence of victims and survivors of abuse. While the previous two incumbents lost this, I hope the new inquiry under Justice Goddard means finally the victims will be allowed to tell their stories.
“The Home Office has previously refused to include Kincora in its scope and the Home Secretary said it is her view that Kincora ought not to be part of this inquiry; however she undertook to discuss this matter with the new inquiry chair.
“Whilst I accept in part her argument that recommendations for institutions would deal with different structures in England and Northern Ireland, she fails to acknowledge with respect to Kincora this has already happened. The crucial element is in respect of the alleged involvement of the intelligence services in covering up abuse and recommendations in this regard would be best handled with similar allegations being investigated as part of the new inquiry.”
ENDS