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Catholic charities object to child abuse inquiry chairwoman Catholic charities object to child abuse inquiry chairwoman
(about 2 hours later)
Two Catholic charities have lodged a legal objection to the appointment of the chairwoman of the Scottish government's inquiry into historical abuse of children in care.Two Catholic charities have lodged a legal objection to the appointment of the chairwoman of the Scottish government's inquiry into historical abuse of children in care.
The Congregation of the Poor Sisters of Nazareth and the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent De Paul want to challenge the choice of Susan O'Brien QC.The Congregation of the Poor Sisters of Nazareth and the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent De Paul want to challenge the choice of Susan O'Brien QC.
She is to take up her post on 1 July.She is to take up her post on 1 July.
The government said it would defend the appointment, while some victims called the legal move "disappointing".The government said it would defend the appointment, while some victims called the legal move "disappointing".
One child abuse survivor said it was "a tactic to delay and obstruct justice, which has caused immense upset".One child abuse survivor said it was "a tactic to delay and obstruct justice, which has caused immense upset".
Ms O'Brien's appointment was announced by Education Secretary Angel Constance last month.Ms O'Brien's appointment was announced by Education Secretary Angel Constance last month.
Her remit will include allegations of abuse in institutions, foster care, long-term hospital care and boarding schools.Her remit will include allegations of abuse in institutions, foster care, long-term hospital care and boarding schools.
The Catholic charities claim Ms O'Brien has a conflict of interest and should not be allowed to take up her position.
A senior civil servant has written to groups including victims and their families ahead of the first hearing which is due to take place at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.A senior civil servant has written to groups including victims and their families ahead of the first hearing which is due to take place at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
'Robust challenge''Robust challenge'
The letter said: "Please be reassured that the Scottish Ministers are defending this challenge robustly."The letter said: "Please be reassured that the Scottish Ministers are defending this challenge robustly."
A Scottish government spokeswoman said: "Ms O'Brien's appointment has been received positively by many people, including survivors.A Scottish government spokeswoman said: "Ms O'Brien's appointment has been received positively by many people, including survivors.
"She is an experienced advocate whose considerable knowledge and expertise was an important consideration in making this appointment."She is an experienced advocate whose considerable knowledge and expertise was an important consideration in making this appointment.
"We are confident that her appointment is sound in terms of the Inquiries Act and that she will lead a fair, thorough and honest inquiry.""We are confident that her appointment is sound in terms of the Inquiries Act and that she will lead a fair, thorough and honest inquiry."
When Education Secretary Angela Constance announced Ms O'Brien's appointment, she said the inquiry would have powers to force witnesses to give evidence.When Education Secretary Angela Constance announced Ms O'Brien's appointment, she said the inquiry would have powers to force witnesses to give evidence.
She had previously said abusers would "face the full force of the law".She had previously said abusers would "face the full force of the law".
The minister also confirmed the Scottish government intended to lift the three-year time bar on civil actions.The minister also confirmed the Scottish government intended to lift the three-year time bar on civil actions.
This would include compensation claims for damages in cases of historical abuse that took place after 1964.This would include compensation claims for damages in cases of historical abuse that took place after 1964.
New funding of £14.5m for support services was also announced to the Scottish Parliament, in a move designed to ensure survivors have access to the services they need now.New funding of £14.5m for support services was also announced to the Scottish Parliament, in a move designed to ensure survivors have access to the services they need now.
'Impact on victims''Impact on victims'
Ms O'Brien previously chaired a panel which investigated the death of 11-week-old baby Caleb Ness in Edinburgh.Ms O'Brien previously chaired a panel which investigated the death of 11-week-old baby Caleb Ness in Edinburgh.
It produced a report in 2003 which resulted in the reorganisation of Edinburgh's social work department.It produced a report in 2003 which resulted in the reorganisation of Edinburgh's social work department.
The QC has been an employment judge for 15 years and is currently a governor of Heriot-Watt University.The QC has been an employment judge for 15 years and is currently a governor of Heriot-Watt University.
At the time of her appointment, Ms O'Brien said: "I appreciate that no one can provide full justice for any victim of abuse in childhood, but the Scottish government is anxious to enable victims to tell us what happened to them and the impact it had on their lives."At the time of her appointment, Ms O'Brien said: "I appreciate that no one can provide full justice for any victim of abuse in childhood, but the Scottish government is anxious to enable victims to tell us what happened to them and the impact it had on their lives."
"The inquiry panel will try to identify any lessons from past failures which will help to keep our children safe in the future.""The inquiry panel will try to identify any lessons from past failures which will help to keep our children safe in the future."