Historical child abuse investigation goes to Australia

The Belfast Telegraph (NI)
Historical child abuse investigation goes to Australia to interview alleged victims transferred by Northern Ireland churches
By Michael McHugh
19 May 2014

The UK's largest ever public inquiry into institutional child abuse is to travel to Australia to interview alleged victims transferred from Northern Ireland.

More than 100 children were removed from church-run residential homes in Northern Ireland, most to Western Australia after the war. An investigation chaired by retired judge Sir Anthony Hart is examining whether they were physically, sexually or emotionally harmed during their journey.

Lawyers and support staff are expected to pay their second visit to the antipodes next month ahead of public hearings in September, Sir Anthony said.

He added: "The inquiry will examine the operation of the child migrant scheme in the context of children from Northern Ireland institutions who were sent to Australia.... MORE at http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/historical-child-abuse-investigation-goes-to-australia-to-interview-alleged-victims-transferred-by-northern-ireland-churches-30285392.html