The First and Deputy First Minister are facing fresh calls to publish the findings of a report into the historical clerical abuse of children in Northern Ireland.
Three reports were provided to Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly last July following independent research commissioned by The Executive Office on clerical child sexual abuse.
One of the recommendations included the establishment of an independent public inquiry into institutional abuse.
The research was first commissioned by the Executive a decade ago, while victims groups have repeatedly called for the report to be published in recent months.
Approximately 100 institutions were identified by the Historical Institutional Abuse inquiry as places where people suffered abuse, with thousands of victims having been identified to date.
Alliance Executive Office spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA said the findings of the publicly funded research must be published, following on from safeguarding concerns at a north Belfast church.
An investigation into an alleged incident of inappropriate behaviour by a senior leader found a “culture of indifference” towards safeguarding at Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle.
“We cannot have institutions marking their own homework,” Ms Bradshaw said.
“The only reasonable response to today’s news is to publish that report to provide clarity to victims and survivors that their interests, not those of institutions, are being prioritised.
“Then we need to see immediate action from the First and deputy First Minister on those findings and recommendations – they know what needs to be done, now they need to get on with it without delay.”
Solicitor Kevin Winters, who represents many of the victims and survivors of clerical abuse, says his clients have received no substantial update from TEO since December 2025.
“With respect, we can see no reason why publication cannot now proceed, even if further work remains ongoing as to how the recommendations may be advanced,” a letter to the Stormont department from Mr Winters said.
“Publication would be an important and tangible indication to victims and survivors that the Northern Ireland Executive takes allegations of historical clerical abuse seriously and is taking steps to address them.
“Our clients’ concerns have only increased as a result of the absence of any meaningful, visible progress since the reports were provided.”
An Executive Office spokesperson said: “This is an important, complex, and sensitive issue. Ministers have been carefully considering the research reports.
“The research was commissioned to build evidence, improve understanding and inform Ministers’ decision making. The research projects which were commissioned in summer 2024, will be published at the appropriate point.”
The department faced the wrath of victims’ groups earlier this year after an attempt was made to alter the wording on a memorial plaque at Stormont to remove reference to “the state” from the groups responsible for the historic abuse of children.
TEO later reinstated the wording following the backlash from a number of victims’ groups.