Debate contribution: Historical Clerical Child Abuse: Next Steps
Debate contribution by Ms Aisling Reilly on .
- MLA
- Ms Aisling Reilly
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 24 November 2025
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Historical Clerical Child Abuse: Next Steps
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5254145
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I associate myself with your comments on that. The recent revelations, alongside those of a historical nature that the research on clerical abuse speaks to, are a stark reminder of the need for a consistent and sustained focus on safeguarding. No longer can there be situations where warning signs are missed, organisations fail to act or investigations are not prioritised when concerns are raised. Safeguarding requires constant improvement and vigilance. That means adherence to robust procedures, clear mandatory reporting, proper records, accountability and a culture where the protection of children and vulnerable people comes first. It is only by making sure that those systems are strong, independently scrutinised and continually reviewed that we can demonstrate a commitment to learning from the past and preventing failures in the future.
128 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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