Child sex abuse survivors insist inquiry is ‘not fit for purpose’

CHILD sex abuse survivors yesterday demanded that the Scottish Government overhauls an inquiry into the scandal following the resignation of its chairman.

Susan O’Brien, QC, resigned on Monday after allegations she had made offensive remarks about survivors.

She has denied her remarks were offensive and claimed the Government’s attempts to ‘micro-manage’ the inquiry made it impossible for her to continue.

In a meeting tomorrow, survivors will demand Deputy First Minister John Swinney re-evaluates the remit of the inquiry.

Yesterday, Mr Swinney admitted the Government had ‘protracted discussions’ with the inquiry panel over finances.

Alan Draper of In Care Abuse Survivors Scotland said: ‘From the very beginning, the Government has tried to minimise and reduce the inquiry and make life difficult for survivors. It is not fit for purpose.

‘The allegations against Miss O’Brien are a minor concern. They wouldn’t end up in a court of law.

‘The Government has acted as judge, jury and executioner. They’ve forced her out without giving her any opportunity to defend herself.’

Last week, panel member Professor Michael Lamb stepped down, also citing Government interference and claiming the inquiry was ‘doomed’. Only one panellist, Glenn Houston, remains.

Mr Draper said: ‘Both panellists have accused the Government of micro-managing, saying there were daily interventions in what should be an independent inquiry.

‘We are very anxious about what the hell is going on. It seems John Swinney’s major concern is about protecting the public purse.

‘A lot of people who have already given evidence have expressed concerns, saying, “Should we withdraw it?”. It’s a body blow to survivors seeking justice. For survivors, it’s a chaos of the Government’s own making.’

In her letter of resignation, Miss O’Brien objected to the Government allegedly ‘blocking’ the panel’s request ‘to bring in an outside solicitor to replace a Scottish Government employee’.

She said: ‘The inquiry’s work has already been hampered by the approach of officials who seem to believe they can control the inquiry’s decision-making, particularly when it related to proposed expenditure.’

Miss O’Brien’s departure has plunged the inquiry into further mayhem. From the outset, survivors had raised concerns because not all sufferers of abuse – such as those in youth and faith-based organisations – would be covered by its remit, and it would not consider redress for victims.

The founder of survivors group White Flowers Alba, whom we are not naming, said: ‘The whole thing is a farce. We’re not talking about a planning committee, we’re talking about children getting raped. How come the [Edinburgh] tram inquiry has a judge but this doesn’t? Is that more important? It’s bad governance.

‘We have had concerns from the get-go and victims have never been central to the process. We’re used as commodities. It has been inappropriate from start to finish.’

In a statement, Mr Swinney said: ‘This Government rejects any charges of interference in the independence of the inquiry.

‘The issues that concern the Government are about having a robust independent inquiry that can operate without fear or favour.’