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 5432737
Read the official Assembly record
Text
The public inquiry will open as soon as possible after the primary and secondary legislation come into force. I have already outlined the time frame for the primary legislation, and the secondary legislation is progressing well. As I said, we are conscious of time, but we are eager to ensure that the decisions that we take, the processes that are in place and the outworkings of those are right for victims and survivors. With regard to the appointment of the inquiry chair, in its interim report, the independent panel recommended that Ministers consider the early appointment of the chair of the public inquiry. We see a number of benefits to the early appointment of an inquiry chair designate and can confirm that work is ongoing to achieve that. The Department worked in conjunction with victims and survivors on the proposed process and sought appropriate nominations. Approximately 59 nominations were received, of which 29 were from victims and survivors. A shortlist has been agreed, and it is hoped that the inquiry chair designate will be in place as soon as practically possible.
181 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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