Alliance Executive Office spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has joined victims and survivors in demanding the immediate publication of publicly funded research into the clerical abuse of children.

Her comments follow recent revelations regarding a "culture of indifference" toward safeguarding at Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle in North Belfast.

An investigation into an alleged incident involving a senior leader at the church reportedly found significant failings in safeguarding protocols. The findings included reports of a safeguarding officer resigning and another being insulted after raising internal concerns.

Ms Bradshaw, the South Belfast MLA, argued that these developments prove institutions cannot be left to monitor their own conduct.

Paula Bradshaw MLA stated: "The reinforcement we have heard about a culture of indifference to child safeguarding at Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle... merely emphasises we cannot have institutions marking their own homework. "However, it also re-emphasises the call made by representatives of the Interfaith Clerical Abuse Survivors and Dromore Group that research commissioned by the Executive Office a decade ago into the extent and systemic nature of clerical abuse has still not been published."

The research in question was commissioned by the Executive Office ten years ago to examine the systemic nature of clerical abuse. Ms Bradshaw insists that releasing the findings is the only way to demonstrate that the interests of survivors are being prioritised over those of religious or community institutions.

She continued: "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."

The call for transparency adds to growing pressure on the Executive to address long-standing concerns regarding historical and contemporary safeguarding practices within clerical settings across Northern Ireland.