Northern Ireland plans child abuse inquiry
Updated on 27 March 2010
The Northern Ireland Executive is set to launch a major investigation into child abuse, after allegations that it was rife in the Catholic Church in Northern Ireland and beyond have rocked the community. Kylie Morris reports.
Stormont and Northern Ireland's politicians have finally found their voices over the scandal that has hit the Catholic Church, and Channel 4 News understands that an investigation will take place.
Early indications of the parameters for any Stormont inquiry into abuse suggests it shouldn't concentrate on the church alone, but also on abuse across state institutions.
It is understood that there will be no tolerance, not only of perpetrators, but of anyone who aided in perpetrating abuse.
The news comes as pressure reportedly increases on Ireland's most senior cleric, Cardinal Sean Brady.
His spokesman today refused to comment on suggestions the Vatican now wants Cardinal Brady to resign.
The Pope apologised to the victims of child abuse in an unprecedented step last weekend.
But this weekend Cardinal Brady's spokesman said he wouldn't dignify questions of this type with a response, at a time when the universal church is focused on the celebration of the resurrection.
However, the resurrection of the memory of paedophile priest Brendan Smyth - who died in prison - is what Cardinal Brady's critics are focusing on.
They say his apology to Smyth's victims is not enough, and he should stand down.
High profile figures such as deputy first minister Martin McGuinness have added their voices to the call.
On a trip to Washington, he said: "My only conclusion to all of this is that Cardinal Brady has to consider his position."
