'The state failed you': Northern Ireland ministers apologise for historical institutional abuse
The apology comes five years after it was recommended
Last updated 11th Mar 2022
Ministers from Northern Ireland's five main parties told victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse today (Friday 11th March) that they were failed by the state.
First up in the Chamber was Education Minister Michelle McIlveen and delivering the first of a ministerial apologies she said:
"Today, we say that we are sorry.
"Whilst in the care of the state you were made vulnerable - we did not ensure all our residential homes were filled with love and safety.
"We did not ensure these homes were all free from hunger and cold, from mistreatment and abuse.
"It was the state's responsibility to do that, and it failed you.
"We neglected you, rejected you, we made you feel unwanted. It was not your fault. The state let you down."
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Ms McIlveen added: "We recognise that, as adults now and survivors of historical institutional abuse, you carry the effects of that suffering and its continued impact on your daily life.
"We apologise to you for the trauma inflicted upon you as children whilst in the care of the state. We are sorry."
Meanwhile, Alliance Party justice minister Naomi Long said that the Assembly chamber at Stormont was a "fitting and proper venue" for the apology to victims of historical institutional abuse.
She said: "This is where our laws are made, where we - ministers and those responsible for governing - are held to account. We are united in our acceptance of responsibility.
"No-one can undo the past; nor can we undo your past."
Mrs Long continued: "We acknowledge your desire to make sure that future generations of children will never have to suffer the abuse you experienced - we echo that desire and it is our job to make sure that does not happen.
"The late Sir Anthony Hart rightly welcomed the 'courage and determination' of victims and survivors.
"Your courage and determination led to a report that made government and society reflect upon how it treated its most vulnerable and on the harms they endured.
"Some 13 years after you first came to Parliament Buildings, the courage and determination of all of you means that you are sitting here today listening closely to what is being said.
"We pay tribute to your courage and determination, and to your staying power."
SDLP infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon said no apology to victims of abuse could make up for the failings of the past.
She added: "We hope that our clear and outright acknowledgement will bring some relief.
"We know that many children suffered greatly as a result of being separated from their families.
"Some experienced neglect and emotional, physical and sexual abuse at the hand of those who were supposed to care for them. We know that many of you were exposed to a harsh environment.
"That environment had a lasting emotional impact on those exposed to it, including a lifelong feeling of guilt. That is wrong. None of this was of your doing and none of this was your fault.
"The guilt and shame of what happened is not, nor has it ever been, your burden to bear.
"The burden belongs only to us; those who should have protected you."
Ms Mallon added: "Your lived experiences became part of the first inquiry of its kind in Northern Ireland or Great Britain.
"As a result, the state has learned much to help inform our policies on safeguarding of children; and on keeping today's laws and guidance up-to-date, designed with children at the front and centre of our work.
"We pay tribute to your courage in making this contribution for the benefit of those who came after you.
"We acknowledge and regret that the interests of children were not always front and centre of our work."
"We pay tribute to your courage and determination, and to your staying power."
Ulster Unionist health minister Robin Swann said politicians had learnt a lot from the experiences of victims of historical institutional abuse.
He added: "We want to acknowledge all of you who had the courage to speak up and highlight the most horrendous abuse - abuse that no child should have to endure.
"This was often done at great personal cost.
"What happened to each and every one of you was wrong. It should not have happened and it is critical that every possible step is taken to ensure that nothing like this happens to any other child in the care of the state - ever again."
Mr Swann said: "The Hart Inquiry examined in detail the legislative and governance structures within which residential institutions operated.
"It found the lack of inspection amounted to a systemic failing by the Department of Health and Social Services to ensure some homes provided proper care.
"That failing meant government failed to ensure some homes were complying with what the law required of them - laws that were in place for good reason - and more importantly that children were not receiving proper care.
"For that we can offer no excuse. It was wrong. It should not have happened and we are sorry."
Delivering the final apology to victims of historical institutional abuse, Sinn Fein finance minister Conor Murphy said survivors had had to wait too long for an apology.
He said: "We acknowledge that the delay in progressing this recommendation from the Hart report has further added to the stress that you experienced.
""For this, we are sorry.
"You, and all victims and survivors, deserve nothing less than full acknowledgement of the harm inflicted on you as children, and the suffering you have endured throughout your lives as a result of our failures.
"You deserve to be supported in the right way, as recommended by Sir Anthony Hart."