Debate contribution: Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill: Redress Scheme
Debate contribution by Ms Joanne Bunting on .
- MLA
- Ms Joanne Bunting
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 2 March 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill: Redress Scheme
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5432725
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I am grateful to the Member for her question. We know that access to records is a hugely important issue for victims and survivors, and we are aware that many have faced real obstacles and difficulties in trying to understand their past or trace their family history. Work has been ongoing to improve that experience and make those processes as straightforward and supportive as possible. Applicants to the scheme will have practical support from the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS), WAVE Trauma Centre and Adopt NI to help them to navigate what can be a difficult and emotional process. We are also working closely with the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland on digitising records and with the health and social care trusts and the Department of Health on managing any resourcing pressures so that resources can be located and provided as efficiently as possible. However, we have to be realistic and mindful that the removal of the posthumous date could lead to thousands more applications, with many relating to events going back over a century to the beginning of the state. That would have a bearing.
187 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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