First Minister and deputy First Minister publish Historical Clerical Child Abuse research reports

Date published: 22 July 2026

The research examines historical abuse in faith settings, the experiences and expectations of victims and survivors, what records are held by organisations and current safeguarding arrangements. 

The reports’ findings will help shape future policy and support the Executive’s ongoing work to ensure victims and survivors receive the support they need and that lessons continue to be learned.   

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “We recognise the tremendous courage it has taken for victims and survivors to share their deeply painful experiences of historical clerical child abuse. 

“These reports remind us of our duty to listen and to keep the voices of those affected at the heart of our response. We are committed to ensuring that every victim and survivor receives the care, compassion and support they need, and work is already underway to provide counselling and specialist support services. Whilst we cannot undo the harm of the past, we will listen, learn and take steps to protect children and prevent abuse in faith settings.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “The victims and survivors of historical clerical child abuse endured so much and it is vital we listen to their lived experience and do everything we can to ensure what happened in these settings cannot happen again.

“The reports acknowledge the significant improvements in safeguarding arrangements within faith settings. We welcome those improvements however we know there is still much more that can be done. We are committed to working closely with Executive colleagues, statutory partners, safeguarding bodies, victims and survivors and faith organisations to ensure that our children and young people are protected now and in the future.”

The First Minister and deputy First Minister also paid tribute to the victims and survivors who showed great courage by participating in the studies and sharing their personal trauma to ensure lessons are learned.

And they reaffirmed the Executive Office’s commitment to continuing to engage with victims and survivors to help shape support services and strengthen safeguarding protections in faith settings for children and young people, including further meetings with Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly and Joanne Bunting.