Swinney to revisit abuse inquiry remit

● Survivor groups say talks with minister were productive

Education secretary John Swinney has told abuse survivors that he will consider widening the remit of Scotland’s child abuse inquiry during talks on its future.

The inquiry was thrown into crisis this week following the resignation of its chair, Susan O’brien, who quit just days after fellow panel member Professor Michael Lamb.

Survivors’ groups met Mr Swinney in Edinburgh yesterday to discuss the inquiry, and said their discussions had been “productive”.

Campaigners want the Scottish Government to extend the inquiry to include children abused by those who had a duty of care, not just those who were abused in institutional settings.

There are also growing calls for the new chair to be appointed from outside of

0 Alan Draper of Incas, left, and David Wheelan, who represents former Quarriers residents Scotland, with leading barrister Michael Mansfield QC already approached by survivors’ groups.

Speaking after yesterday’s meeting, Alan Draper, parliamentary liaison officer for Incare Abuse Survivors (Incas), said: “The view around the table was that the remit needs to change. It needs to take into account the many survivors who are wondering why they are not included in this inquiry. I remain suspicious of the government, but I am happy that John Swinney today has attempted to re-assure us the best he can.”

David Whelan, who represents former Quarriers residents, said: “Survivors are waiting for compensation, they’re waiting for support mechanisms. This has gone on for too long. Scotland has to face up to its responsibilities.

“The deputy first minister has given us reassurances, but we’ll wait and see the outcomes. We’ve been let down in the past.”

Mr Whelan said Mr Swinney had been asked to look at widening the inquiry’s remit: “We told the minister you need to make sure children are safe in this country – you need to look at every institution, not just care homes.”

Following the meeting, Mr Swinney said: “I want to assure survivors that I have heard them today. I recognise how important it is for us to build trust and I am absolutely committed to that. I am utterly committed to an independent inquiry and I have tried to answer all the questions survivors had. I will now take time to consider the issues they have raised, including expanding the remit of the inquiry.”