AQW 9733/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 09/04/2024
Answered On Date: 22/04/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister when an Interim Advocate for victims and survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions, the Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses will be appointed.

Answer:

The Truth Recovery Design Panel Report did not recommend a dedicated Advocate role. Instead, a series of advocacy interventions have included dedicated and specialist support services, the monthly Victim and Survivor Consultation Forum (with an Independent Chair) and the Independent Panel Victim and Survivor Representatives.

There is currently a series of workshops underway with Consultation Forum members which include views on advocacy. There is no immediate plan to appoint a single Advocate role. On completion of this there will be opportunity to consider how the current advocacy model may be enhanced.