Details

The Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Inquiry examined sexual and physical abuse of children in Northern Ireland institutions providing residential care for children between 1922 to 1995. It investigated systemic failings by institutions or the state in their duties towards those children in their care. It examined a wide range of institutions but excluded schools.

The Terms of Reference were announced on 31 May 2012 and were amended on 18 October 2012. The Inquiry had the power to compel witnesses, to take evidence under oath and for hearings to be held in public, except when it was necessary to protect the identity of individuals.

It is the largest inquiry into the sexual and physical abuse of children in Northern Ireland.

The Process
There were two main components to the HIA Inquiry. The Acknowledgement Forum and the Statutory Inquiry.

The Acknowledgement Forum provided an opportunity for victims and survivors to recount their experiences within institutions in a private setting and on a confidential basis. The Statutory Inquiry comprised an Inquiry and Investigative Panel. It held public hearings during which people gave evidence under oath, and it had statutory powers to compel witnesses and documents.

The HIA Inquiry also had a Research and Investigative team, which worked under the direction of the Chair of the Inquiry. The team prepared a report on witness statements provided to the Acknowledgment Forum and provided an analysis of the historical context at the time abuse occurred.

The Inquiry and Investigation Panel was responsible for both the Research and Investigative team and the Acknowledgement Forum.

Governing Legislation
Inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse Act (Northern Ireland) 2013.

Inquiry Locations
United Kingdom; Northern Ireland; Belfast

Public Hearings
Yes.

Private Sessions
Yes. This formed part of the Acknowledgement Forum.

Case Studies
Yes. Investigated 22 institutions.

Written Submissions
People had the option to make both oral and written submissions after each module that involved them.

Research
The inquiry had a research and investigative team that were charged with preparing a report on witness statements provided to the Acknowledgement Forum and an analysis of the historical context at the time abuse occurred.

Institutions
22 institutions were investigated.

Local Authority Homes (Lissue Hospital, Lisburn; Kincora Boys' Home, Belfast; Bawnmore Children's Home, Newtownabbey; Fort James and Harberton House, Londonderry).

Juvenile Justice Institutions (St Patrick's Training School, Belfast; Lisnevin Training School, County Down; Rathgael Training School, Bangor; Hydebank Young Offenders' Centre; and Millisle Borstal).

Secular Voluntary Homes (Barnardo's Sharonmore Project, Newtownabbey; and Barnardo's Macedon, Newtownabbey).

Roman Catholic Voluntary Homes (Joseph's Home, Termonbacca, Londonderry; Nazareth House Children's Home, Londonderry; Nazareth House Children's Home, Belfast; Nazareth Lodge Children's Home, Belfast; De La Salle Boys' Home, Rubane House, Kircubbin; St Joseph's Training School for Girls, Middletown, Co Armagh; Institutions run by the Good Shepherd Sisters in Derry/Londonderry, Belfast and Newry) Church of Ireland (Manor House, a children's home near Lisburn) Migration of children from certain Northern Ireland to institutions in Australia.

Cost
The inquiry website estimates that the inquiry will cost between £17 million and £19 million.

Inquiry Panel

• Doherty, Geraldine
• Lane, David