Survivors of child sexual abuse in churches presented evidence to the Stormont Executive Office Committee. They demanded an independent public inquiry into abuse within faith settings in Northern Ireland.

Nikella Holmes of the Interfaith Clerical Abuse Survivors Group said perpetrators need to fear committing offences. She noted evidence exists to enhance church safety and tools are ready for immediate action. Holmes, from Ballymena, suffered indecent assault in 2006 at age 15 by Gary Thompson, her church youth leader at the time. Thompson later became Northern Ireland's chief fire officer. He received an eight-month prison term in 2024 after admitting two counts of indecent assault.

Tony Gribben of the Dromore Group of survivors, abused by Catholic priest Father Malachy Finnegan, stated inquiry recommendations are straightforward. He said the process must centre on truth, justice, and accountability. Gribben requested meetings with the first and deputy first ministers.

The committee learned of three unpublished research reports delivered to ministers in July. One compiled survivor testimonies from faith settings such as churches and schools. A second examined historical records. The third evaluated safeguarding in the faith sector. The research stemmed from a devolved government commission to guide policy.

Survivors requested publication of the reports. They reported no response to follow-up requests on action plans since July. Patrick Corrigan of Amnesty International called the research the most thorough on clerical child abuse in Northern Ireland.