AQW 14724/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 10/09/2024
Answered On Date: 19/09/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether they have any plans to conduct a further awareness campaign in Northern Ireland, Great Britain and internationally to encourage applications to the Historical Institutional Abuse Redress Scheme before it closes on 2 April 2025.

Answer:

We continue to build on previous awareness initiatives, which have included:

adverts in local papers;

distribution of posters to relevant organisations, including courts and jobs and benefits offices;

a leaflet drop to every household here;

a digital media campaign;

engagement with the Bureau in Washington to connect to organisations in America that support immigrants; and

the issue of promotional material to all local councils in England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

A further digital media contract is to be awarded in September for more awareness raising activities over the coming months to again highlight the last date for applications to the redress scheme. We will also continue to distribute posters and leaflets to appropriate contacts, such as local chemists and libraries, and to engage with relevant stakeholders to raise awareness of the closure of the scheme to applications.