Debate contribution: Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill: Further Consideration Stage
Debate contribution by Ms Sinéad McLaughlin on .
- MLA
- Ms Sinéad McLaughlin
- Party at the time
- Social Democratic and Labour Party
- Date
- 22 June 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Executive Committee Business
- Heading
- Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill: Further Consideration Stage
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5638621
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I am glad to have the opportunity to speak to the group 1 amendments, and I welcome the victims and survivors who have joined us today in the Public Gallery, as well as those who are following the debate online. At the heart of the Bill is the establishment of a public inquiry into one of the darkest chapters in our society's history. For far too long, the experiences of the women, girls and children who were affected by mother-and-baby institutions and Magdalene laundries were overlooked completely, dismissed and simply ignored. Many survivors spent years seeking answers and acknowledgement and waiting for the state and wider society to listen to them. The inquiry that will be established by the legislation is an important step towards addressing that legacy. It will provide an opportunity to establish the facts, to hear directly from those affected and to examine how institutions and public authorities failed some of the most vulnerable people in society. The amendments in group 1 are largely technical and tidy up the wording in the Bill. They are, however, important for ensuring that the inquiry can carry out its work effectively. In particular, I welcome the provisions to strengthen the inquiry's ability to seek evidence and information, including from organisations and individuals outside of Northern Ireland. If the inquiry is to command public confidence, it must be able to follow the evidence wherever it exists. Equally, the amendments that relate to reporting arrangements and transparency will help ensure that the inquiry can operate independently, while maintaining public trust in the process. For survivors and families, the inquiry is not simply an administrative exercise. For many, it represents the first genuine opportunity to have their experiences properly heard and examined. That places a significant responsibility on us all to ensure that the inquiry is given the tools that it needs to do its work thoroughly and effectively. While no inquiry can undo the hurt that was caused, it can help establish the truth, provide answers for families and contribute to further understanding of what happened. That is why it is so important and why we will support all the amendments in group 1.
362 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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