Latest News

Next Steps at 30 November 2017

Site Updating - This site will no longer be updated as the Inquiry has completed its work however if you need up-to-date information, this will be provided on the NI Direct site at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/historical-institutional-abuse.

Report Implementation - In the absence of a functioning Executive and without the necessary political authority, the report's recommendations in Sir Anthony Hart's report cannot be implemented. The Executive Office will bring forward implementation proposals as soon as possible when there is a restored administration. In the meantime preparatory work and planning is already underway. 

As the Inquiry formally closed on 30 June 2017 you will no longer be able to contact any member of Inquiry staff directly. You can contact The Executive Office for updates on progress at: HIAImplementationBranch@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk.

Further Support - If you need help urgently you can contact the Lifeline helpline on 0808 808 8000 for free from UK landlines and mobiles, in confidence, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Details for additional counselling services which are available in England and Australia are provided on the links page - https://www.hiainquiry.org/links.

Update 3 July 2017

The Chairman brings the Inquiry to a close.  See the Press Release (PDF 45 KB)

Update 20 January 2017

The Chairman launches  the Inquiry report.

Update 18 January 2017

The Chairman plans to make his statement on the launch of the Inquiry report at 11:00am.  

Update 12 January 2017

As stated in our press release of 6 January, the Inquiry intends to publish its Report on Friday 20th January - this remains the position. 

Update: 6 January 2017

The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry today submitted its Report to the First Minister and deputy First Minister as required by the Inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse Act (Northern Ireland) 2013.

In delivering his Report the Inquiry Chairman, Sir Anthony Hart said:

I want to thank everyone who came forward to tell us of their experiences as I know how hard it was for many to find the courage to do so.  I also want to thank all those who worked with the Inquiry in a co-operative way, and by doing so helped my colleagues and myself to complete our Report on time.

The Report will be formally published on Friday 20th January 2017 following a statement by the Chairman, Sir Anthony Hart at a public meeting in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Shaws Bridge, Belfast.  In it he will detail the findings of the statutory inquiry panel and its recommendations on the following matters as specified in the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference: -

  • An apology - by whom and the nature of the apology;
  • Findings of institutional or state failings in their duties towards the children in their care and if these failings were systemic;
  • Recommendations as to an appropriate memorial or tribute to those who suffered abuse;
  • The requirement or desirability for redress to be provided by the institution and/or the Executive to meet the particular needs of victims.

However, the nature or level of any potential redress (financial or the provision of services) is a matter that the Executive will discuss and agree following receipt of the Inquiry and Investigation Report.

The publication of the Report brings to a conclusion the Inquiry’s investigation into historical institutional abuse. The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry was formally established in January 2013 by the Northern Ireland Executive. Its remit was to investigate child abuse that occurred in residential institutions in Northern Ireland over a 73-year period from 1922 to 1995.