Nazareth homes focus of abuse inquiry

UTV
January 5, 2015

http://www.u.tv/news/Nazareth-homes-focus-of-abuse-inquiry/eb66377b-71fc-4380-bb35-1c0cfb9d5fbf

The Historical Abuse Inquiry resumes with a focus on Nazareth House and Lodge.

The fourth module of the inquiry at Banbridge Courthouse is focusing on the former Nazareth House and Nazareth Lodge, run by the Sisters of Nazareth order of Catholic nuns.

A total of 102 witnesses from the homes have come forward to give their accounts and more than 90 are expected to give evidence.

The atmosphere at the two properties was described as "bleak, harsh and cruel" by alleged victims, a lawyer told the inquiry.

Senior counsel Christine Smith QC quoted one witness: "The nuns were at best indifferent and most often sadistic bullies who spoke with harsh, loud voices in scornful, dismissive tones."

Ms Smith said the picture was mixed - another child missed the nuns and said they made sacrifices for the youngsters.

But she added that paedophile Fr Brendan Smyth was active there.

"There will be evidence given in this module that he abused children both in Nazareth House and in Nazareth Lodge in Belfast," she explained.

The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry was formally established in January 2013 by the Northern Ireland Executive. It has a remit to investigate child abuse which occurred in residential institutions in Northern Ireland over a 73-year period up to 1995.

A total of 13 institutions in Northern Ireland are currently under investigation by the Inquiry in relation to allegations of historical institutional abuse and neglect.

In total, the inquiry is expected to hear from more than 300 witnesses during the course of the public evidence sessions.

Homes runs by the Sisters in Derry and by the De La Salle order of religious brothers in Rubane House in Kircubbin, Co Down, have already been investigated and testimony taken from children sent by the institutions as migrants to Australia.