New HIA victims advocate wants legislation fast-tracked

A former Northern Ireland victims commissioner has been appointed the Interim Advocate for Victims and Survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse.

Brendan McAllister was chosen by David Sterling and will operate until the Statutory Commissioner for Victims and Survivors of Historical Institutional Childhood Abuse has been appointed, in line with the recommendation in the Hart Inquiry report.

The report found widespread abuse of children in some homes from 1922 and 1995 and recommended legislation be introduced.

That would include compensation and a care package for victims and survivors but that has stalled in recent years.

Mr McAllister will be the primary voice representing them and will operate independent of government.

Mr McAllister told Downtown Cool FM his priority will be to push legislation forward as soon as possible:

"I am honoured and humbled to have been appointed to this important role as a representative voice for victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse.

"I am very much looking forward to meeting with as many victims and survivors as possible, and learning more of the issues they have faced and continue to face.

"There is much work to be done and I don’t underestimate the challenges that lie ahead but I am absolutely committed to being a strong, dedicated and supportive voice for all."

Brendan McAllister will take up the post of Interim Advocate on 12 August 2019.