Scottish Catholic Observer

A public inquiry is to be held to examine historical cases of abuse of children in care in Scotland, Education Secretary Angela Constance has announced today.

Appointments to the inquiry, including its chairperson, and further details of its remit will be made by April, the Cabinet Secretary (above) told the Scottish Parliament this afternoon.

A spokesman for the Catholic Church said earlier this week the Church would support ‘an evidence-based inquiry into abuse in care in Scotland.’ The inquiry could investigate care facilities run by Catholic orders where there have been allegations of abuse.

“We must have the truth and as a society we have an opportunity to confront the mistakes of our past and to learn from them,” Ms Constance said. “It will not be easy but only by shining a light on the darkest recesses of our recent history will we fully understand the failures of the past, enabling us to prevent them happening again.

“And to ensure justice is done, I can tell this chamber that where crimes are exposed, the full force of the law will be available to bring perpetrators to account.

“The Lord Advocate has been consulted on holding the inquiry and measures will be put in place to ensure that the Inquiry does not compromise or interfere with on-going criminal investigations and prosecutions. I am grateful to the survivors of institutional child abuse who have taken the time to meet me and other ministers and who have spoken bravely and eloquently about why they consider a public inquiry is needed.”

Iain Gray, Scottish Labour’s new shadow education spokesman, welcomed the announcement but said it had taken too long.

“It is ten years since Jack McConnell apologised, on behalf of the Scottish people to the survivors of institutional child abuse,” he said.

The public inquiry will be statutory under the Inquiries (Scotland) Act 2005. It will have the power to compel witnesses to attend and give evidence, if needed.

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