Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry

Ongoing

Muckamore Abbey Inquiry

Chair Tom Kark KC Legal professional (non-judge)
Established 01 Jun 2022
Commissioned by Northern Ireland Executive

Statutory public inquiry into systematic abuse of patients with learning disabilities at Muckamore Abbey Hospital, Northern Ireland, discovered when 300,000 hours of CCTV footage were found in 2017 recording physical abuse. 120 sitting days; oral evidence from 181 witnesses concluded March 2025. Final report expected March 2026. 15 people charged in parallel police investigation.

3 years, 9 months Duration (ongoing)
£14.8m Total Cost
05 Nov 2021
Inquiry Announced

Health Minister announced a public inquiry into abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital.

19 May 2022
Chair Appointed

Tom Kark KC appointed as Chair.

03 Oct 2022
Inquiry Launched

Inquiry formally launched.

Source
19 Jun 2023
Public Hearings Begin

Oral evidence hearings commenced in Belfast.

01 Jan 2025
Hearings Continue

Evidence hearings continue.

Source
Total Inquiry Cost (Cumulative) £14,779,064
Cost History
Period Total Inquiry Legal CP Legal Source
Sep 2025 £1,006,962 - -
Sep 2025 (cum.) £14,779,064 - -
Mar 2025 £4,352,787 - -
Mar 2024 £4,293,575 - -
Mar 2023 £4,114,761 - -
Mar 2022 £1,010,979 - -