To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any steps they (i) have taken, since the beginning of the 2022-2027 Assembly mandate; or (ii) intend to take, to engage with those who have been subject to sexual abuse, in church settings.

Historical clerical child abuse (HCCA) has had a devastating impact on those affected and we express our deepest sympathy and solidarity to all victims and survivors of this terrible abuse.

In this current mandate, Junior Ministers have engaged with victims and survivors, listening to their stories and hearing their views on what is needed. This has included attending meetings of the Reference group of victims and survivors in September 2024 and May 2025 and meeting with individual victims and survivors.

In addition, officials have liaised closely with the Reference group of victims and survivors to develop the terms of reference for the 3 research projects that were completed last year, regularly update on progress of the work, and discuss the findings and recommendations. We are very grateful to all those who have participated and shared their experiences.

We remain committed to engaging with victims and survivors, whose views we will take into account as we move forward in our deliberations on this complex and sensitive issue.