First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have released three research reports examining Historical Clerical Child Abuse (HCCA).

The studies explore abuse within faith settings, the experiences and expectations of victims and survivors, the types of records retained by organisations, and current safeguarding arrangements.

The findings are intended to inform future policy and guide ongoing Executive work to ensure victims and survivors receive appropriate support, while reinforcing efforts to learn lessons from the past.

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 ministers also paid tribute to the courage of those who participated in the studies and reaffirmed The Executive Office's commitment to continued engagement with victims and survivors to shape support services and strengthen safeguarding in faith settings, including further meetings with Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly and Joanne Bunting.

The reports are available on The Executive Office website at: www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/publications/historical-clerical-child-abuse-research-reports. For media queries, contact The Executive Office press office at press.office@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk.