Northern Ireland

De La Salle Order makes redress payment to help compensate survivors of abuse

The payment follows similar ones made by Barnardo’s and the Good Shephard Sisters

The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry (HIA) exposed serious sexual, physical and emotional abuse at children's homes run by religious orders, charities and the state across Northern Ireland between 1922 to 1995. Picture by Colm Lenaghan, Pacemaker
The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry (HIA) exposed serious sexual, physical and emotional abuse at children's homes run by religious orders, charities and the state across Northern Ireland between 1922 to 1995 PICTURE BY COLM LENAGHAN
By John Breslin

A third institution has contributed towards the cost of a redress scheme for victims of historical institutional abuse in Northern Ireland.

The De La Salle Order made a payment following ones by the Good Shepherd Sisters and Barnardo’s announced last week.

Sir Anthony Hart’s Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) report revealed in 2017 the extent of sexual, physical and emotional abuse at homes run by the state, church and charities from 1922 to 1995.

Historical Institutional Abuse inquiry
Retired High Court judge Sir Anthony Hart, with David Lane (left) and Geraldine Doherty at the end of the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry PICTURE BY COLM LENAGHAN

He recommended the three organisations, along with the Sisters of Nazareth, Sisters of St Louis and the Irish Church Missions, make contributions towards the cost of the redress scheme and specialist support services.

The inquiry investigated two facilities run by the De La Salle Order, St Patrick’s Training School in west Belfast, closed in 1995, and Rubane House, a children’s home near Kircubbin on the Ards Peninsula, in operation from 1950 to 1985.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill welcomed the contribution from the order and said discussions with the remaining institutions are ongoing.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill (left) and deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly
First Minister Michelle O’Neill (left) and Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly (David Young/PA)

“Following recent commitments from the Good Shepherd Sisters and Barnardo’s, it is encouraging to see constructive dialogue with the institutions gaining momentum,” Ms O’Neill said.

“Discussions with the remaining institutions are ongoing, and we remain hopeful of reaching agreements on their respective contributions to the redress and support services.”

The first minister added: “While no financial compensation can ever fully rectify the wrongs done, we recognise that for many survivors, these contributions are a crucial acknowledgment of the harm they suffered and an important step in accepting responsibility.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said ministers “are committed to ensuring that discussions with all relevant institutions are conducted in a manner that is constructive, fair, and equitable”.

“We know no amount of money can make up for that but it is vital that we do everything we can to ensure their needs are met.”

Both ministers also encouraged all victims and survivors who intend to make an application to the redress board to do so as soon as possible, and in advance of next year’s April deadline.