AQW 14727/22-27

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 how they will work with the Minister of Health to (i) recognise the lifelong legacy for victims and survivors of Historical Institutional Childhood Abuse; and (ii) ensure adequate lifelong support from Health and Social Care services.

Answer:

One of the recommendations of the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Inquiry report was that services should be made available to HIA victims and survivors for a fixed period of ten years, with a review taking place after five years.

A support service for HIA victims and survivors, facilitated by the Victims and Survivors Service, commenced in December 2020. A review will therefore be due in 2025.

The Commissioner is also currently undertaking a consultation to look at current and future services for HIA victims and survivors.

The feedback from the consultation and the review, along with advice from the Commissioner’s Advisory Panel, once established, will inform the design and shape of future support services.