AQW 25062/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 02/11/2021
Answered On Date: 21/12/2021
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister (i) for their assessment of the urgency needed for an apology to victims of historical institutional abuse; and (ii) whether the apology will be provided during this mandate.

Answer:

Victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse have our full support, and we are determined they will receive the acknowledgement, support and redress they deserve. We remain committed to the full implementation of the Hart Report, and are continuing to work towards a timely apology being given to victims and survivors.

Our officials have continued to engage with representative groups, and are also in regular contact with the Commissioner for Survivors of Childhood Institutional Abuse. We are now giving consideration to the format, content and timing of the apology.

Our priority remains approaching an apology with care and sensitivity, and rooting it in the experience of HIA victims and survivors.