Lisburn UUP outraged over inquiry doubt

First Minister Peter Robinson had suggested that funding for the inquiry, which is investigating thirteen institutions, including Lissue House in Lisburn, could be in danger due to deadlock over agreeing the June Monitoring round.

“It is absolutely disgraceful that there was ever any doubt cast over the future of the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry,” said Lisburn Councillor Alexander Redpath. “If, as the victims and survivors have indicated, there have been assurances given that the funding is safe then that is absolutely to be welcomed, but the idea that it may have been in danger should never, ever have been floated.

“Finding out the truth about what happened at these children’s homes is vitally important for thousands of victims including many from Lisburn.”

Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, added: “I can assure victims of abuse that the Ulster Unionist Party, through our Executive Minister, Danny Kennedy, will be opposing this proposal tooth and nail and I call on all the other Executive Parties to publicly declare that this ludicrous idea will be consigned to the bin where it belongs.

“Many victims, some of whom I met, were clearly dismayed and distressed quite unnecessarily after hearing Peter Robinson say that this outrageous suggestion is even being considered.

“There are billions of pounds in the Executive budget and to even consider targeting the funding of the HIA inquiry is politics of the lowest order.”