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	Stormont Decision on Child Abuse Due Utv September 29, 2011 http://www.u.tv/News/Stormont-decision-on-child-abuse-due/18c8c99e-f8c0-4b4b-b3c6-3e51b6c41457 Victims of institutional abuse in Northern Ireland have said it has been a "long journey" after the Stormont Executive announced a major inquiry is to begin immediately. Survivors have long campaigned for a full investigation into allegations of abuse that would have the power to compel the release of records and the cooperation of witnesses. However, statutory powers to make witnesses testify are not expected for two years. Peter Robinson and acting Deputy First Minister John O'Dowd announced the details of the plan, after a taskforce set up in December last year consulted with victims. It's been a long and emotional journey certainly for the survivors, victims and the families of those who haven't made it. Let's not forget that it's been at a cost.Survivor John McCourt The inquiry will look into child abuse in the Catholic Church and state-run institutions in the region, incorporating borstals, Kincorra, Barnardos and other organisations. On Thursday, Mr Robinson said the inquiry will not have the power to compel witnesses until further legislation is passed in the Assembly. "This inquiry will be given the necessary statutory powers to compel people and documents. We will be taking forward legislation in the Assembly to confer statutory powers on the Inquiry and Investigation into Historical Institutional Child Abuse," he said. "It could take up to two years before the legislation is complete, however this will not delay the Investigation and Inquiry's work." The First Minister said victims and survivors have already waited for the announcement of an inquiry. "We will not be waiting two years to start the process and we intend to start as soon as possible with the other elements of the inquiry and investigation." Institutional child abuse should never have happened and we deeply regret that it did.Peter Robinson Acting Deputy First Minister John O'Dowd said he is hopeful that the announcement will help bring a closure to those affected by institutional child abuse. "For victims, their issues are as real today as they were when they first occurred. "The inquiry and investigation that we are announcing will begin to bring the acknowledgement that they have waited on for so long," said Mr O'Dowd. "It will give individuals the opportunity to recount their experience and have their accounts recorded and most importantly - acknowledged." An Advocacy Service will be set up this autumn to provide counselling and support for victims and survivors. This will come ahead of the creation of an acknowledgement forum, which will give victims the chance to tell their stories in confidence. At this stage there will be co-operation with the PSNI who will look into any allegations of abuse and those still suspected of being a threat to children. Researchers will be employed to access records that already exist and to try to access other information from the institutions at the centre of victim's stories. Compensation may be available to victims, but it is understood there will be a focus on funding services which can meet their needs. Margaret McGuckin and John McCourt, who have been leading voices among the victims and survivors, welcomed the announcement. Ms McGuckin said: "They have listened to us. They have listened to how important it is that records do be found and (that) it is a proper investigation that will help all victims." She said the creation of the advocacy services would provide a place for victims and survivors to seek help.
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