Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry

(asked on 10th October 2018) - View Source

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps she is taking to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the Hart Report in the absence of a functioning Northern Ireland Assembly; and if she will make a statement.


Answered by
Shailesh Vara Portrait
Shailesh Vara
This question was answered on 15th October 2018


Victims of historical institutional abuse have shown huge courage and dignity in their fight for truth and redress. It is important to note, however, that the Hart report was commissioned by the NI Executive, and the method of response to the recommendations should be for a restored devolved Government to decide.

I am aware that the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, David Sterling, has made a commitment to have legislation to implement the recommendations of the Hart report ready to publish soon, and I am assured that Mr Sterling will take what action he feels appropriate at this stage to keep the process moving forward so that a restored Executive may be able to action this work swiftly.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland will of course consider carefully any invitation she receives from Judge Hart or the groups that represent victims of historical institutional abuse.

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