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 5432741
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I am very grateful to the Member for that question. Every right-thinking person has an expectation that institutions found to have caused harm or abuse should absolutely contribute, but timing is critical. Let me be clear: we are absolutely committed to seeking contributions from the organisations deemed responsible, but we must do so at the appropriate time and in a way that does not compromise the delivery of the scheme or the independence of the public inquiry. Where wrongdoing has been found, in my view, there is a moral obligation for institutions to contribute. It is the right thing to do. Society expects it, and, more significantly, for victims and survivors, it is an important aspect of accountability. However, I must warn that trying to compel contributions through legislation would carry real risks. It could raise compatibility issues with the European Convention on Human Rights and, in turn, create questions for us around the legislative competence of our Bill. There are also issues around property and those promoting current service, which could be jeopardised. There is a lot to think about, and a considered and informed decision is required. We are actively considering the Committee's proposed amendment to place a duty on the Department to publish a report on how contributions will be sought once the inquiry has concluded. We agree with the intention behind the proposal, but we reserve the right to bring forward our own amendment to best reflect the departmental policy and the legalities and to give us the best opportunity to maximise contributions. I assure the House that we are exploring all avenues in relation to seeking contributions. In February, junior Minister Reilly and I met the Scottish Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, to discuss the Scottish approach. Interestingly, Scotland reports on contributions that are received and those that are not, but its scheme also involves a waiver as an incentive, and everything in its scheme is voluntary. We are also planning to meet Minister Norma Foley from the Irish Government on the same issue in the coming months.
343 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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