Historical Institutional Abuse inquiry report to be published

Northern Ireland's public inquiry into the alleged abuse of children in residential homes is to publish its report later.

Evidence from hundreds of witnesses during 223 days of hearings outlined claims of brutality and sex abuse dating back to the 1920s in institutions run by churches and the state.

Retired judge Sir Anthony Hart chaired an independent panel which investigated, the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) inquiry, helped by a team of lawyers and researchers.

Sir Anthony has already indicated that compensating victims will be among his recommendations.

But it is uncertain when action will be taken as crisis engulfs powersharing at Stormont and as new elections loom.

The public inquiry was ordered by Stormont's ministerial Executive following pressure from alleged victims and similar probes in the Republic of Ireland and elsewhere.

It was created in 2013 to investigate child abuse in residential institutions in Northern Ireland over a 73-year period, up to 1995.

Throughout 223 days of hearings, the inquiry heard outlined allegations of brutality and sex abuse dating back as far as the 1920s.

It finished with an investigation into an alleged paedophile ring that operated at Kincora boys' home in east Belfast.

The inquiry is expected to report before lunchtime and survivors will be there to see the voluminous document launched.

Kate Walmsley, who was abused by a priest while at Nazareth House in Derry, said she hopes the report’s findings will mean future generations will not suffer.

She said: “We can make sure that our children and their children will not suffer, so that I can go to my grave knowing that I didn’t hide, that I came forward and I wasn’t guilty.”