Video – Victims of sexual abuse urged by Gerry Adams to come forward to police

VICTIMS of sexual abuse have been encouraged by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD “to come forward and seek justice”. He said that any victim who comes forward will have the full support of his party.

And anyone with information about cases of sexual abuse – republicans, former republicans or former IRA Volunteers, journalists or politicians – should bring their evidence to the Garda or PSNI, the Sinn Féin leader said.

Separately, deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has welcomed the Taoiseach's belated confirmation this week that he is prepared to consider the all-island initiative to assist victims and survivors of sexual abuse that the Sinn Féin figure had proposed back in November of last year.

Martin McGuinness said that Taoiseach Enda Kenny has finally confirmed he will meet him to discuss the proposal “and that is a welcome, if belated step”.

Martin McGuinness said he will be seeking to hold that meeting at the earliest possible opportunity.

“I believe we all have a duty to address this issue which affects people right across the island and involves both state and non-state organisations.

"The best way of doing that is through the establishment of an all-island initiative, resourced by – and under the remit of – both the Irish Government and Northern Executive through the North-South Ministerial Council.

“This would ensure that victims and survivors have access to the professional support services they need and, crucially, a channel through which complaints can be made to the appropriate statutory agency or police service.

“The issue of sexual abuse within Irish society must be addressed in a responsible way which enables all victims and survivors to access the support and justice they need and are entitled to."

Gerry Adams has strongly refuted claims made in the Dáil and some sections of the media that Sinn Féin has investigated cases of sexual abuse.

“This is untrue,” Gerry Adams insisted. “It would be totally inappropriate and could jeopardise a successful prosecution.

“I also refute the claim that Sinn Féin is holding back information. There is no rationale or logic to this. I want all of these issues dealt with.

“If individuals have information they should bring it forward.

“Last November, I asked anyone with information regarding abuse to bring that forward and I offered to pass that information on to the relevant authorities. I received a number of names anonymously.

“While I was unaware of the name of Paudie McGahon’s alleged abuser, it now turns out his name was on that list.

“The only way for victims to get justice is through the criminal justice system and other statutory agencies. Victims need to be supported and perpetrators need to be brought before the courts.

“Sinn Féin’s priority is to support victims of abuse, whether that abuse is historical or contemporary.

“Martin McGuinness has proposed a victim-centred approach to this matter, an approach that will provide support to victims and access to the justice system.

“This would be anchored in the North-South Ministerial Council and allow victims to come forward to access support and those with information to pass it to the Garda or PSNI for investigation.”