The East Antrim MLA was speaking after the Executive Office published three research reports into clerical child abuse today (22 July 2026).
Mr Dickson said: “The publication of these reports has been long awaited by victims and survivors. However, it is deeply frustrating that the Executive Office has failed to release the list of recommendations in response to the findings or provide any meaningful plan.
“Victims and survivors have bravely shared their stories and worked with the Executive Office to shape these recommendations. It is incredibly troubling for them not to see this work made public today.
“The Executive Office has the research and the recommendations, yet we are still waiting for the First and deputy First Ministers to outline a funded and time-bound response to address the legacy of clerical abuse and to prevent future abuse in faith-based settings.
“Victims and survivors have participated at great personal cost, hoping to achieve accountability, justice, and reform. Their experiences must always remain at the heart of any efforts to reform the system and improve safeguarding, but every delay in action risks undermining these efforts.
"Enough delays. We need the First Minister and the deputy First Minister to take immediate action and outline a plan to address the findings. We cannot let victims and survivors down, and must ensure that what they endured is never repeated."
Mr Dickson said: “The publication of these reports has been long awaited by victims and survivors. However, it is deeply frustrating that the Executive Office has failed to release the list of recommendations in response to the findings or provide any meaningful plan.
“Victims and survivors have bravely shared their stories and worked with the Executive Office to shape these recommendations. It is incredibly troubling for them not to see this work made public today.
“The Executive Office has the research and the recommendations, yet we are still waiting for the First and deputy First Ministers to outline a funded and time-bound response to address the legacy of clerical abuse and to prevent future abuse in faith-based settings.
“Victims and survivors have participated at great personal cost, hoping to achieve accountability, justice, and reform. Their experiences must always remain at the heart of any efforts to reform the system and improve safeguarding, but every delay in action risks undermining these efforts.
"Enough delays. We need the First Minister and the deputy First Minister to take immediate action and outline a plan to address the findings. We cannot let victims and survivors down, and must ensure that what they endured is never repeated."