Debate contribution: Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill: Further Consideration Stage
Debate contribution by Ms Aisling Reilly on .
- MLA
- Ms Aisling Reilly
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- 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 5638640
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.
I thank all Members for their contributions to the debate. I know that it was quick and that this is a technical tidy-up, but I thank everyone for the work that has been going on over the past couple of weeks to get us to this point. As we conclude the debate on the first group of amendments at Further Consideration Stage, I ask Members to support all eight amendments. Everyone who has spoken has indicated that they will. The purpose of the amendments is to make sure that the Bill is as strong and effective as possible. I will pick up on some of Gerry's comments. He talked about amendment No 8. I reiterate that we are fully committed to the transparency of the inquiry. It is recognised that the intent of the previous amendment was to promote transparency. We have retained that element, but the consideration of "the public interest" is a matter for Ministers rather than the chair. In clause 20, the chair already has broad scope to report fully and independently, and, under clause 20(4)(a), is required to consider the extent to which withholding material might inhibit the allaying of public concern. I hope that that addresses the Member's concerns. If there is anything outside of that, I am happy to follow it up with him. I reiterate that, as Ministers, we have sought to listen carefully throughout the Bill's passage, recognising the importance of getting it right.
249 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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