AQO 2475/22-27

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 25/09/2025
Answered On Date: 31/10/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, given the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill (NIA Bill 15/22-27) lists 11 relevant institutions, but leaves additions to The Executive Office regulations, how they will ensure any decisions in relation to this are transparent and include survivor consultation and Assembly oversight, rather than ministerial discretion.

Answer:

We deeply regret the pain and suffering of victims and survivors and this legislation is an important stage in uncovering the truth and holding those responsible to account.

The Bill provides a clear focus for the inquiry and redress scheme but, crucially, it also embeds some flexibility.

There are 11 institutions included in the standardised payment. However, institutions can be added or removed and the time period can be amended, subject to Assembly approval.

For the public inquiry, there will be a prescribed list of institutions, also subject to Assembly approval.

This flexibility is important as it will allow recommendations from the Independent Panel, Inquiry Chair and others to be considered.

This ensures democratic scrutiny, but it also means the inquiry and redress scheme can be delivered in a timely way, which is so important, especially for the many birth mothers who have long campaigned for justice.