There is now very little doubt that large numbers of children were abused in state care in Scotland in a wide range of settings over a period of decades.

The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry has been taking evidence from the first few of dozens of planned case studies. A number of the Catholic orders and charities which have so far been Lady Smith’s focus have conceded that abuse took place on their watch.

Read more: Review group calls for Scottish Government to offer compensation payments to victims of historic child abuse in state care

Accounts given by alleged victims have been for the most part consistent and corroborative. There are likely many more to come.

But many of the appalling failures which saw children who could not live with their families suffering abuse – whether physical, sexual, or emotional – were acknowledged long before the Inquiry began its work.

There is little dispute, either , about the lasting effects that many victims have suffered. The crimes committed against them have left many with enduring problems including mental ill-health, alcoholism, relationship difficulties, physical disabilities.

So the recommendation of the expert group set up by the Scottish Government that a compensation scheme be set up is an idea that is long overdue.

Some abuse survivors seek financial compensation because they feel they have lost earnings and opportunities. For others it is a mark of recognition of their suffering. Some do not want money at all.

But deputy first minister John Swinney has been accused of dragging his feet over the issue. Other countries have already set up similar schemes – tragically this is far from being a problem unique to Scotland.

There are many issues yet to be resolved, not least the cost. The report from Mr Swinney’s review group does not suggest the price which should be put on the suffering of victims. And it is impossible to be sure how many may come forward. But it is not unrealistic to suggest the final bill could cost millions.

Read more: Review group calls for Scottish Government to offer compensation payments to victims of historic child abuse in state care

There will be a need to assess who is entitled to payments – although the review suggests any assessments should not be too burdensome, neither should they be so legalistic that the bulk of compensation ends up in the pockets of lawyers. Some countries have put in place such restrictive criteria that hardly anyone is able to claim, or have ruled out those who have a criminal record. Such measures would be unfair.

It is right that the government –ultimately the tax payer should pick up the tab for this. Adults were in the care of the state as children and the state let them down. But the review calls on organisations shown to have enabled or overlooked abuse, to contribute to any such fund. Those implicated must heed this call. If they do not, any expressions of regret are empty words, perpetuating injustice.