Aisling Reilly
West Belfast · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“As well as thanking every one of the victims and survivors who have contributed, I take the opportunity to also thank the Members of the House past and present and, in particular, the Committee Chair and Committee members, who worked so diligently and carefully to study and examine the Bill, to listen to victims and survivors and to bring…”
“Dealing with that injustice was core to the approach of the Bill. <BR /> <BR />Before concluding deliberations on the Bill, I will bring our focus back to the women and children — now adults — their families and all survivors whose experiences have brought us to this point.”
“It is only by addressing the truths hidden in dark shadows that we can begin to properly shine a light on a society that continues to violate and oppress too many women and girls and to make sure that it never happens again and that, together, we commit to breaking the cycle of harm and violence against women and girls.”
“I hope that it now respects and fulfils the wishes of the women and girls who, for many decades, have suffered and been silenced. <BR /> <BR />It is a large, complex and sensitive piece of legislation. It is, no doubt, much more complex legislation than it first appeared, and there were many factors to balance.”
“<BR /> <BR />For some, the prospect of engaging with the inquiry may feel daunting. For that reason, we listened to victims and survivors when they told us that they wanted us to create a dual investigation, so that individuals had the option to engage with an expert independent panel and provide testimony in a different and more informal…”
“I say to the people who are still considering whether to come forward that your testimony matters. To those who have spent years searching for answers, I say that the inquiry will seek those answers.”
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“Tá cairde de mo chuid ag obair mar mhúinteoirí i naíscoileanna, i mbunscoileanna agus i meánscoileanna. Tá siad mar chuid de ghluaiseacht atá ag tacú le páistí, ag tacú le teaghlaigh, agus ag neartú ár dteanga lá i ndiaidh lae. <BR /> <BR />Mar sin de, nuair a labhraímid faoi phleanáil lucht oibre, táimid ag neartú na hearnála, táimig ag neartu na n-oibrithe agus na ndaltaí. Táimid ag caint faoina chinntiú go mbeidh na deiseanna céanna ag an chéad ghlúin eile de pháistí a thiocfas isteach sa Ghaelscolaíocht. <BR /> <BR />Aithnítear sa Bhille seo an rath atá ar an Ghaelscolaíocht agus tacaíonn sé leis. Cinnteofar leis nach gcuirfidh an easpa pleanála cúl ar an fhás. Tá teachtaireacht shoiléir chugainn ann nach athsmaoineamh í an Ghaelscolaíocht.”
“<BR /> <BR />Mar is eol daoibh uile anseo, mar gur luaigh mé roimhe — agus tá mé fíorbhródúil as —gur tháinig mise mé féin tríd an Ghaelscolaíocht. D’fhreastail mé ar an naíscoil, chuaigh mé go Bunscoil Phobal Feirste, agus ansin ar aghaidh go Coláiste Feirste. Nuair a d’fhreastail mé ar Choláiste Feirste, bhí thart ar 350 againn ann. Tá breis is 1,000 dalta ag freastal ar an scoil chéanna inniu. Tá an scoil lán go doras. Ní háibhéil ar bith sin. Tá sí ag borradh léi, rud a léiríonn go bhfuil gá leis an dara campas. Is léir uaidh sin gur sin an bealach a bhfuil an earnáil ag dul. <BR /> <BR />D’oibrigh mo mhamaí mar chúntóir ranga i mBunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh ar Bhóthar na Carraige Báine. Tá mo dheirfiúr ag obair mar chúntóir ranga riachtanas speisialta oideachais anois ar Bhóthar Seoighe.”
“Is ar fhoirne a fheidhmíonn siad; is ar phobail a fheidhmíonn siad; agus is orthu sin atá an Ghaelscolaíocht bunaithe. Tá sí bunaithe ar phaisean. Tá sí bunaithe ar fhuinneamh. Tá sí bunaithe ar dhaoine a chreideann go láidir go bhfuil luach agus fiúntas inár dteanga. Sin an bonn ar cruthaíodh an earnáil agus an Gaeloideachas air. <BR /> <BR />An rud atá de dhíth ar an earnáil anois ná tacaíocht fhiúntach le cur leis an fhás sin. Tá an t-éileamh ann. Fíor-éileamh atá ann agus tá sé ag méadú go gasta. Tá an fás sin le feiceáil go soiléir, nó tarraingníodh aird sna meáin ar na mallaibh go bhfuil fás 400% ann i líon na bpáistí atá ag freastal ar an Ghaeloideachas ó 2001 a bhí ann. Ní fás suarach é sin, ní hea, ach forbairt ollmhór. Taobh thiar de na huimhreacha sin tá tuismitheoirí agus teaghlaigh a roghnaigh an Ghaelscolaíocht dá bpáistí.”
“Is é an rud a deirtear agus a iarrtar sa Bhille seo ar an Roinn Oideachais ná go gcaithfidh sé coiscéim a choinneáil linn. <BR /> <BR />Leagann an Bille dualgas dlí ar an Roinn a machnamh a dhéanamh, breathnú ar an éileamh atá ann, agus a chinntiú go bhfuil an lucht oibre againn le freastal air. Ní hamháin anois, ach as seo amach sna blianta atá romhainn. Ar ndóigh, baineann sé sin le múinteoirí. Ach tá i bhfad níos mó ná sin i gceist agus tá sé tábhachtach sin a lua. Baineann sé le cúntóirí ranga. Baineann sé le hoibrithe luathbhlianta. Baineann sé le foireann tacaíochta, le soláthar riachtanas speisialta oideachais, le síceolaithe oideachais, agus le gach duine a bhfuil ról acu in oideachas ár bpáistí. <BR /> <BR />Tá a fhios ag gach aon duine a bhfuil eolas acu ar an earnáil nach ar mhúinteoirí amháin a fheidhmíonn scoileanna.”
“Before I start my speech, I take the opportunity — the first that I have had — to welcome Julie to the House. I congratulate her on her new role. I wish Gary and your family the very best on what must be a very difficult path. We are thinking about you and Gary. I look forward to working with you. <BR /> <BR />Tá áthas an domhain orm tacú leis an Bhille atá á mholadh ag mo chomhghleacaí, Pat Sheehan. Cad é croí an ábhair seo? Tá, gur rud an-bhunúsach ach an-tábhachtach é an bille seo. Bille a bhaineann le rud simplí amháin agus is é sin an phleanáil. B’fhéidir go gcuireann an fás faoin Ghaelscolaíocht iontas ar chuid de na daoine, ach ní chuireann sé lá iontais ormsa. Tá athbheochan, paisean agus grá don teanga amuigh ansin.”
“The Irish Government have committed funding for a Dublin-Derry air service, enhancing connectivity and improving economic opportunity for the north-west. <BR /> <BR />The all-island economy is growing strongly. However, it still has significant further potential. By continuing to pool our resources, our expertise and our infrastructure, we can build stronger and more competitive regions and deliver long-term prosperity for citizens North and South.”
“<BR /> <BR />On connectivity, €165 million from PEACE PLUS will help to deliver an hourly train service between Belfast and Dublin, further contributing to a more integrated labour market. The Department for Infrastructure's all-island strategic rail review sets out a long-term vision for a modern, high-quality, low-carbon rail network. The proposals, as was mentioned, include reinstating the Lisburn-Antrim line, including potential airport access; a new Portadown-Derry-Letterkenny rail corridor; electrification of the Belfast-border route; and longer-term extensions into the north-west, including Limavady. Those investments have the potential to transform connectivity, create jobs and unlock economic opportunities for generations to come.”
“Previously, A-level students needed four top A-level grades to reach the maximum tariff. Now, three A levels and one AS level are sufficient. The Department for the Economy has introduced a tuition fee loan for postgraduate students from the North who choose to study in the South. The Magee expansion is a cross-border collaboration, and Queen's University Belfast is signing a memorandum of understanding with Dundalk Institute of Technology. <BR /> <BR />Research and innovative continue to be powerful engines of shared and collaborative all-island growth. Our universities have built strong cross-border partnerships through Horizon Europe, the US-Ireland R&D Partnership Programme and the North South Research Programme. Under the PEACE PLUS programme, €46 million has been invested in cross-border skills development.”
“Tourism is a long-standing all-Ireland industry, and that was recently strengthened by the inclusion of County Fermanagh in the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands brand. The Shared Island Fund has supported a range of tourism projects, most recently with funding for projects including the Giant's Causeway, the Derry Girls experience, the Museum of Free Derry and the Courthouse in Bushmills. <BR /> <BR />Business activity is underpinned by skills, and it is important that people can study and work as seamlessly as possible across the country. Complexities arising from two tax and social security systems mean that many people still have difficulties working in one jurisdiction and living in another. However, a positive step has been taken by Universities Ireland.”
“InterTradeIreland, Enterprise Ireland and Invest NI are delivering a €30 million all-Ireland enterprise scheme, and that investment is building cross-border networks and clusters, accelerating green enterprise and supporting women's entrepreneurship. Funding has been increased for InterTradeIreland, which, since its establishment, has supported over 60,000 businesses across the island. As well as assisting individual companies, InterTradeIreland's synergy programme has supported cross-border clusters in fintech, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing. <BR /> <BR />Both Governments have also boosted funding for Tourism Ireland, which markets the island internationally as a single unit, yielding a 25:1 return on investment.”
“The Department for the Economy in the North and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in the South have formalised their cooperation in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that reinforces the commitment from both Departments to work closely together. The economic development agencies are working well together, and Invest NI has opened a new office in Dublin. Recent initiatives include closer collaboration with the Dublin-Belfast economic corridor, a joint international trade mission with Enterprise Ireland and the IDA and the success of the Shared Island sustainability capital grant in supporting innovative low-carbon technologies across Ireland.”
“I very much welcome the opportunity to respond to the motion on behalf of the Minister for the Economy. <BR /> <BR />Cross-border trade alone is now worth over €10 billion, and key to that success is the rise in all-Ireland trade. According to the Central Statistics Office, from 2020 to 2024, sales from North to South increased by 128·5% to £5·5 billion. That evidence clearly demonstrates that SMEs engaging in cross-border trade consistently outperform others across key metrics such as sales, employment and profitability. Innovation and collaboration across the island also strengthen industry clusters, create higher-quality jobs and enhance sector competitiveness. <BR /> <BR />The Executive and the Irish Government are cooperating well to realise the opportunities.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. Cuirim fáilte roimh an rún seo inniu.”
“<BR /> <BR />Tá líon na ndaoine ar fud ár bpobail atá ag foghlaim Gaeilge ag méadú leis, rud a chuireann lena beocht agus leis an athbheochan bhríomhar atá faoi lán seoil cheana féin. D’óstáil an chathair s’againn, Béal Feirste, sraith imeachtaí, agus tá tuilleadh le teacht. Bhí rath ar Oireachtas na Samhna, bhí Ard-Fheis Chonradh na Gaeilge againn an tseachtain seo caite, agus táimid ag tnúth le Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann i mBéal Feirste sa tsamhradh. <BR /> <BR />Agus Seachtain na Gaeilge ag tosú an tseachtain seo chugainn, níl aon am is fearr le clárú le Líofa, leis an ghealltanas a thabhairt agus le hiarratas a dhéanamh ar sparánacht agus le hiarratas a dhéanamh le freastal ar chúrsa coláiste Gaeltachta. Mholfainn do dhaoine a chomhlíonann na critéir iarratas a chur isteach ar an scéim agus leas a bhaint as an tacaíocht atá ar fáil.”
“Tá scéim sparánachtaí Gaeltachta Líofa oscailte d’iarratais ó bhí an tseachtain seo caite ann. Bhunaigh mo chomhghleacaí, Carál Ní Chuilín, Aire Pobail ag an am, bhunaigh sí sparánachtaí Líofa sa bhliain 2012. Ó shin i leith, fuarthas breis agus 3,000 iarratas agus deonaíodh sparánachtaí do níos mó ná 1,100 duine. <BR /> <BR />Is iontach go deo an t-athrú a rinne an scéim sin Líofa don iomad Gaeilgeoirí sna Sé Chontae, nó thug sí deis dóibh a gcuid eolais ar an teanga a fhorbairt agus a fheabhsú. Trí fhreastal ar chúrsaí Gaeltachta, bíonn faill ag rannpháirtithe iad féin a thumadh go hiomlán i bpobail Ghaeilge, i gcultúr na Gaeilge agus i spóirt Ghaeilge, rud a chothaíonn muinín agus líofacht.”
“Does the Member not agree that there will be an economic benefit and impact, particularly for the businesses around West Belfast, from the footfall? We should be ambitious as elected representatives for West Belfast. We want to see the most investment possible going into our small part of the world.”
“On winter nights and summer evenings, our pitches are full of young people finding confidence in belonging, enjoying themselves and challenging themselves. That social value cannot be reduced to a narrow argument such as that in the motion. <BR /> <BR />Casement Park will be more than a stadium. It will be a catalyst for regeneration, a driver of opportunity and a symbol of equality in investment. Casement Park must be afforded the very same respect as other stadia. Equality means equality: nothing more, nothing less. We will not support the motion, nor will we support the amendment.”
“Casement Park represents a significant opportunity for economic growth and regeneration and to create jobs, attract visitors and drive footfall into local businesses. When major games and events come to our city, whether sporting or cultural, they will fill hotel rooms. They support hospitality and place a positive spotlight on this place that we call home. Casement Park will be no different. <BR /> <BR />As someone who is a proud member of the GAA, as a coach and former player, I have seen and been part of the difference that it makes. The GAA is a community anchor. It promotes physical health; it strengthens mental resilience; it fosters leadership, discipline and teamwork. It binds communities together.”
“It will be reinvested in the county structures and programmes, from juveniles right up to the men's and ladies' teams, allowing them the chance to develop and grow and to be the role models and the stars for the generation coming behind them.”
“<BR /> <BR />The amendment, to be honest, is disappointing, because the Member for West Belfast knows and has seen at first hand the transformative power and the benefits of the GAA from club level up. We know the scale of grassroots investment that flows from development at the top. Any revenue generated through Casement, as with Windsor and Ravenhill, will be reinvested in the sport, the clubs, the facilities, youth development, coaching and community programmes.”
“It is OK for those other stadia venues to diversify and generate an income by hosting boxing and other events, but it is a problem when the same principle is applied to a GAA stadium. We can all read between the lines as to why that is. <BR /> <BR />The motion is not about financial prudence: it is pure double standards. It sends a clear message that it is OK for some, just not for the GAA. Let me be clear: Gaels across Belfast, Antrim and Ulster are entitled to have Casement Park redeveloped. The attempt to try to "other" Gaels through this motion should be called out for what it is: a blatant attack on the GAA. Members of the GAA, like others in the public, are taxpayers and ratepayers, and they contribute to society like everybody else.”
“Thank you. I will touch on that. <BR /> <BR />There is no mention of a clawback of funds on the events that they have hosted or could host outside the sport they were built for. Stadiums that were built for rugby or soccer have opened their gates to boxing events, concerts, corporate events, launches and other showcase commercial events, and why would they not? These are modern venues, designed to be utilised and meant to maximise opportunity, open their doors and invite people in to use them. There is no mention of a clawback, though, for those stadia in this motion. However, when it comes to Casement Park, the conversation suddenly shifts and there is an attempt to move the goalposts.”
“I also make a declaration of interest as a proud member of the GAA. <BR /> <BR />Casement Park is an Executive flagship capital project, which has been mentioned. It stands alongside the other regional stadia that have already been delivered in Ravenhill and Windsor Park. That was, and is, a collective commitment by the Executive to invest in sport, infrastructure, communities and people right across our society. Reading the motion, I see no reference to those other stadia or to asking the Executive to claw back funds from the events that they have hosted, or could host, outside of the sport that they were built for.”
“Absolutely. I have touched on that continued approach, particularly with the oversight board and departmental colleagues. It is so important that we continually engage with the partners who deliver services on the ground, because our commitment to ending violence against women and girls is for everyone across society. Safety, dignity and access to support cannot depend on a particular delivery partner. We will continue to work closely with communities and delivery partners to shape delivery and make sure that all women and girls, no matter where they live, are protected and supported.”
“I thank the Member for that question, because it reinforces the fact that the ending violence against women and girls strategy is not just about one Department; it needs a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. I absolutely concur with the Member's comments: waiting for long periods is extremely challenging for victims and families, particularly when they are going through the justice system, whether or not that is to do with a conviction. They have already been through a great deal, and delays, particularly in the justice system, further impact on that. We will continue to work closely with the Department of Justice, which sits on the oversight board and gives important feedback, and other Departments to make sure that we put systems in place and that we have the confidence of victims, survivors and the public.”
“In my previous answer, I outlined some of that. If the strategy is to work, it has to reflect the real challenges and issues that face women and girls in our society. That means actively listening directly to women and girls, local service providers and the community and voluntary organisations on the ground. It also means co-designing solutions, rather than just imposing them on people. It is about making sure that funding, outreach models and service delivery are flexible and capable of meeting everybody's needs.”
“The new delivery plan has been informed by feedback from delivery partners that indicated that the current delivery models, particularly around the change fund, seemed to work well. We have also reflected on lessons learned from the first phase. The next delivery plan will be brought to the Executive very shortly, and, as I said, we will keep Members informed when that happens.”
“It will allow for the scaling of initiatives that have been proven to be effective. That does not mean that we are complacent. It is a live strategy, and we have to move when we see what is working well, what might not be working well and how to adapt to those things.”
“Yes, absolutely. The second delivery plan will continue to focus on community investment, collaboration and campaigns, in line with the objectives of the strategic framework. That approach will allow us to build on the momentum that we have already established through the first delivery plan. It will ensure continuity and consolidate good practice and lessons learned.”
“The review will develop practical, rural-sensitive recommendations to shape and improve future policy and practice. The work is progressing well. We will absolutely share the results with you when it has concluded.”
“Violence against women and girls is an issue that affects all our communities, but we know that rural women and girls often face unique challenges. Often, living far from services and having fewer support options can increase their vulnerability and make it harder for them to get help, protection and justice. <BR /> <BR />Together with the Agriculture Minister, we launched the community-led review on rural women and girls in October 2025. That review is led by the Rural Community Network and the NI Rural Women's Network; two organisations that are embedded in rural communities. The aim of the review is to investigate gender-based violence against rural women and girls through lived experience in order to understand fully the experiences and barriers facing women and girls, as well as the drivers of that violence, abuse and harm.”
“<BR /> <BR />Tá mé ag dúil le freastal ar chuid de na himeachtaí, agus molaim do Chomhaltaí a bheith ag freastal orthu fosta. Guím gach rath oraibh go léir.”
“<BR /> <BR />Sin go díreach an rud a dhéanfar leis an chlár d’imeachtaí a chruthaigh Fáilte 26. Réimse leathan imeachtaí, díospóireachtaí agus imeachtaí ealaíne agus spóirt i rith na seachtaine le hargointí na heite deise a bhréagnú agus le fáilte a chur roimh mhionlaigh inár bpobal. Tá "Is Gael mise" i gcroílár ár bhféiniúlachta. Tá fearadh na fáilte ag gach aon duine a bheith ina Ghael. Ní bhaineann sé leis an eitneacht. Mar a deir muid, "Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine." Sheol an Chéad-Aire, Fáilte 26 an tseachtain seo caite. Mar a dúirt sí féin, tá tógáil croí ann daltaí Choláiste Feirste a fheiceáil i gcroílár thogra na seachtaine seo. Is iad ár ndaoine óga ailtirí ár dtodhchaí, mar sin molaim go mór iad as ról gníomhach a ghlacadh i gcoinne an chiníochais. Is mór an clú siad dóibh féin agus dár bpobal.”
“Tagann "Ní thig leat bheith ciníoch agus Gaelach" chugam nuair a smaoiním ar Fáilte 26. Togra atá ar siúl an tseachtain seo mar chuid de sheachtain frithchiníochais na nGael atá á eagrú ag m’iar-scoil agus m’iar-fhostóir, Coláiste Feirste, agus ag Spórtlann na hÉireann. Mar Ghael, rinneadh leithcheal orm. Is minic a bhí ga orm agus ar phobal na Gaeilge máirseáil ar na sráideanna ar son ár gceart. Ag máirseáil le haitheantas a fháil, agus ag máirseáil ar son an chomhionannais agus le meas agus urraim a fháil. Is cóir agus is ceart dúinn an meas céanna a thabhairt do na daoine sin inár sochaí a bhfuil leithcheal á dhéanamh orthu. Is iad an t-oideachas, an chomhbhá agus an tuiscint na huirlisí is fearr atá againn le dúshlán an chiníochais a thabhairt agus le tacú leis na mionlaigh a bhfuil leithcheal á dhéanamh orthu.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. In my remarks, I said that it was never the intention. However, the intention may be that they are published. It may be worth mentioning that, if the Committee feels that it is important, the officials could come to the Committee to give an account of the reports in closed session; perhaps that would be helpful. It was never that they may never be published. It was just that it was never the intention to publish.”
“Absolutely, I agree with the Member, as would everybody here. When you hand a child over to an organisation, whether that be a faith-based organisation, a school or a youth club, you expect them to be safe. <BR /> <BR />As Ministers, our focus is to keep victims and survivors at the heart of this work and to continue to engage and listen carefully in order to make sure that future decisions are grounded by evidence, shaped by lived experience and informed by a trauma-informed approach. That is our commitment to the House.”
“It is driven by a shared determination to establish the facts and to make sure that documents are preserved and information is disclosed to the relevant authorities, while making sure that those who were harmed are treated with the care, respect and seriousness that they deserve and that there is an enhanced focus on safeguarding.”
“<BR /> <BR />Faith organisations have a moral duty to disclose what happened in the past and to make sure that any relevant information is provided to the appropriate authorities. Silence from them is not acceptable. There is no disputing the seriousness of what has happened or the long shadow that has been cast over the lives of victims and survivors. Words alone cannot undo the harm that was done. They must be matched by thoughtful, compassionate and effective action. <BR /> <BR />We know that victims and survivors might want to see the work progressing at a quicker pace, but it is extremely detailed and complex, and we will always give it the thorough attention that it deserves. It may not always be visible, but progress is being made.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is important to say that this is not the responsibility of government alone. Faith organisations where abuse took place have a responsibility. They have to do more work, and they have to engage honestly with victims and survivors. They have to acknowledge their failings and make meaningful efforts to put things right. We welcome those who have begun that journey and the public statements that have been made by faith organisations, in which they have acknowledged their failings, and the efforts that some have made to redress the wrongs of the past. However, we strongly encourage others to do the same in order to support those victims and survivors who suffered under their watch.”
“Decisions are being carefully developed, informed by evidence, engagement and lived experience. We are exploring what can be done now and what actions require further information. Some early actions could include support for victims and survivors and work to improve current safeguarding. When any decisions are taken, we will ensure that the victims and survivors are the first to know. <BR /> <BR />Before I close, I will touch on the issue of unmarked graves, which was referenced quite a few times. The diocese has provided copies of the records to the Public Record Office (PRONI). Our officials are engaging with the Department for Communities and the diocese on that, but I take the point about where the physical records are. I am happy to go back to officials to get clarification on that and to provide that to Members.”
“As I said, the issue requires careful consideration, and when the reports were received, we met officials, and we will meet them again. As we progress through that, we will inform Members and victims and survivors of how we are progressing with that. <BR /> <BR />Our discussions have highlighted the range of views and the strength of opinion among the victims and survivors of clerical abuse regarding the next steps. Ministers have also raised the issue of clerical abuse with the PSNI Chief Constable, and officials have met the PSNI to further discuss how it handles historic cases and the implications for taking forward any of the recommendations. Officials have also engaged with the Department of Health and colleagues in the South. That work is ongoing and will continue.”
“All those private engagements had a profound impact on me and only served to deepen my understanding of their experiences. All my subsequent engagements have been informed by those personal experiences. Victims and survivors remain central to our considerations. As has been mentioned, junior Minister Bunting and I will meet again with some victims and survivors of clerical child abuse in the coming weeks. <BR /> <BR />Members will appreciate that it is a complex and deeply sensitive issue, and it requires careful consideration, as has been mentioned by others. Since the reports were received, the First Minister and deputy First Minister have met officials and the then independent chair of the IDWG, Lisa Caldwell, to discuss the work of the IDWG and the views of victims and survivors.”
“I thank every person who contributed to the process by sharing their experiences, shaping the research and helping to bring the truth out into the open. Officials have continued to engage with victims and survivors. However, that was recently impacted on by legal action. <BR /> <BR />For my part, I first met the reference group of victims and survivors of clerical child abuse, along with the then junior Minister, in September 2024. I later attended part of a meeting in May 2025 at which draft recommendations were discussed, and I had an opportunity to restate our commitment to that important work. I do so again today. I heard first-hand the care, seriousness and thought that victims and survivors brought to the process.”
“However, if publication is considered in the future, it will be essential that the confidentiality and well-being of all participants are fully protected and that those involved are properly supported. <BR /> <BR />Throughout the process, engagement with victims and survivors of clerical abuse has been meaningful and sustained. Victims and survivors helped to shape the research. They were kept informed as work progressed. Engagement also took place beyond formal structures. The chair of the IDWG also maintained contact with survivors who chose not to participate in a formal reference group, recognising that people engage in different ways and at different times. That engagement was not superficial. Victims and survivors were at the heart of the work.”
“Once the research was completed, the interdepartmental working group considered the findings from each project, and, along with the victims and survivors, developed high-level recommendations — importantly, based solely on the evidence from that research. It was not the remit of the IDWG or the reference group to focus on wider contextual issues. It was always made clear to victims and survivors that consideration of wider issues, including financial and legal implications, was and remains for officials to include when providing policy advice to Ministers. The research was commissioned to build evidence, improve understanding and inform Ministers' decision-making; it was not specifically for publication. That objective remains central.”
“The third study examined current safeguarding practices in the faith sector. That was forward-looking work, and it focused on what more can be done now and in the future to protect children and ensure that safeguarding is robust, transparent and consistently applied.”
“It lays bare the devastating impact of abuse and the failures that enabled harm to continue.”
“Throughout that work, there was a clear need to move as quickly as possible while acting ethically and responsibly. Much time had already passed before the work even began, and, while there has been real urgency behind the process, we recognise that, for survivors, any delay can be deeply painful. <BR /> <BR />The first study focused on scoping records and information relevant to historical clerical abuse. Through a detailed survey of over 1,000 faith organisations, that work has helped to build a clear picture of what records and information exist relating to historical abuse, where that material is held and what condition it is in. The second study explored the experiences, expectations and needs of victims and survivors, and it is, by its very nature, a difficult report to read.”
“Thank you for the intervention. As I work through my speech, I will touch on those issues. <BR /> <BR />As Ministers, we have to consider that there are many other circumstances that need to be taken into account when considering our response to historical abuse, such as where the abuse occurred, who was responsible at the time for preventing or detecting abuse and the wider role of the state. Those are important but necessary considerations, and they underline why careful, thoughtful decision-making matters so much. <BR /> <BR />I now turn to the recent work on clerical child abuse. As Members may know, in 2024, the interdepartmental working group (IDWG) commissioned three independent research projects. The terms of reference for each research project were developed in consultation with the reference groups of victims and survivors.”
“Work is also ongoing on a memorial plaque for victims of historical abuse, and the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill is going through the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />Alongside all of that is the counselling and trauma-informed support provided by the Victims and Survivors Service. From that work, we have learned a great deal directly from victims and survivors and from those who supported them about what they need and how best those needs can be met. We know that it is impossible to meet everyone's needs in the same way or at the same time and, indeed, that not all victims want the same things. Each form of abuse is different; each person's experience is different; and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.”