Committee for The Executive Office

Minutes of Proceedings - 22 October 2025

Meeting Location: Room 21, Parliament Buildings

Present:

Ms Paula Bradshaw MLA (Chairperson)

Mr Stewart Dickson MLA (Deputy Chairperson)

Ms Pam Cameron MLA

Mr Timothy Gaston MLA

Ms Áine Murphy MLA

Ms Carál Ní Chuilín MLA

Online:

Ms Sinéad McLaughlin MLA

Apologies:

Ms Claire Sugden MLA

Mr Phillip Brett MLA

In Attendance: Mr Nick Mitford (Assembly Clerk)

Ms Sarah-Anne McKinley (Assistant Assembly Clerk)

Mr Neil Porter (Clerical Supervisor)

Ms Andrienne Magee (Clerical Officer)

The meeting commenced at 2.01pm in public session.

1. Apologies

As above.

2. Declarations of Interest

Áine Murphy declared a standing interest as having a family member who was born in a Mother and Baby institution in relation to the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill.

Pam Cameron declared a standing interest as having worked previously in TEO as a junior Minister from February 2024 until September 2025.

Pam Cameron declared a standing interest on the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill as it stands, she has a family member who may be entitled to a redress payment as part of the second part of this legislation.

3. Chairperson's Business

3.1 Individual Correspondence - Concerns regarding the proposed redevelopment of Marionvale site

The Chairperson advised Members that an individual has written to the Committee regarding the proposed redevelopment of the former site of the Marionvale Mother and Baby Institution and Magdalene Laundry in Newry into commercial and industrial units.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward this correspondence to the Department and to ask officials within the Truth Recovery team what engagement or discussion has taken place regarding the Marionvale site and any potential memorialisation.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department to ask if any discussions have taken place regarding a programme of memorialisation as part of the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to ask whether it has received any briefings on the site and whether the Council have conducted any surveys on the site.

3.2 Invitation to attend the Interparliamentary Forum (IPF)

The Chairperson advised Members that she have been invited to attend the IPF on Friday 28 November at the Welsh Senedd as Chairperson of the Committee and that she will provide an overview of the discussions at the meeting on Wednesday 3 December 2025.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note this item.

Carál Ní Chuilín left the meeting at 2.11pm and returned at 2.14pm

3.3 Betrayal Trauma Training

The Chairperson advised Members that WAVE Trauma Centre have offered Members and the Committee team the opportunity to participate in a Betrayal Trauma Training workshop. The workshop will focus on Institutional Trauma, Complex Trauma, Betrayal Blindness, Shame, and Healing from Betrayal Trauma. This would be a one day course facilitated by Dr. Paul Gallagher on Monday 15 December.

The Chairperson advised the Committee that if any Member would like to attend to email the Committee team by Monday next week.

3.4 Europa Roundtable Event

The Chairperson advised Members that the Committee held its third and final stakeholder roundtable event in relation to the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill, this morning online and at the Europa Hotel Belfast. In total, the Committee has engaged with over 90 individuals at these events which hopefully shows the Committee's commitment to have heard as many views as possible.

The Chairperson advised Members the Hansard of these events will be included in the Committee Report on the Bill.

4. Draft Minutes

Agreed: The Committee agreed the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 8October 2025.

5. Matters Arising

5.1 - 5.2 Historical Institutional Abuse Redress Board - Retention and Disposal Schedule

The Chairperson advised Members that the Committee has been sent the most recent Retention and Disposal Schedule for the Historical Institutional Abuse Redress Board.

The Chairperson advised Members that the Schedule needs to be considered by two Committees and, if a motion is sought, it must be tabled and debated in plenary before the end of the statutory period. The Clerk has, on behalf of the Committee, requested further information on this schedule.

Carál Ní Chuilín declared an interest as being Communities Minister in 2020

Pam Cameron declared an interest as a Member of the Committee for Communities

Agreed: The Committee agreed to consider the Schedule at its meeting on 12 November, when the Clerk will be in a position to provide further information on the rationale for the timescales outlined in the Schedule.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department for Communities to ask what measures are being taken by PRONI, in anticipation of the Inquiry, regarding access to records.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to Department to ask what discussions have taken place in relation to access to records, what actions can be taken regarding access to records and the Inquiry, and what financial resources are being considered to meet the associated demand.

5.3 Further Submission - KRW Law

The Chairperson advised Members that KRW Law have sent further information regarding the potential application of Public Interest Immunity (PII) as part of the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill, following their oral evidence session with the Committee on Wednesday 8 October.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note this item of correspondence.

5.4 - 5.5 Draft letter from the Chair to Health Minister - Access to Records & Belfast Trust Response

The Chairperson advised Members all responses have now been received from the five Health and Social Care Trusts including the outstanding correspondence from the Belfast Trust.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note this item of correspondence.

Members considered a draft letter from the Committee to the Health Minister in relation to access to records and the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to send the letter as drafted to the Health Minister.

5.6 Draft Press Release - Committee visit to MLK Development Corporation

The Chairperson advised Members that the Communications team have drafted a press release as part of the Committee's visit to the Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation on Wednesday 5 November.

Agreed: The Committee agreed that the press release should be circulated to Members before publishing, subject to the inclusion of reference to the discussions held on the day following the visit.

6. Summary of Bill Scrutiny to date: Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill.

Agreed: The Committee agreed for Hansard to record the evidence session.

The Clerk provided a summary of the written evidence to date in relation to the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department to request further information on the following areas:

Clause 2 - To request a further definition of systemic failings.
Clause 3 - To seek an overview of the criteria used when selecting prescribed institutions, beyond what is included in the Explanatory and Financial Memorandum.
Clause4 - To request the rationale for not including Birth Fathers or other siblings and to seek clarity on Clause 4(2) in relation to the phrase "for the purposes of this section".
Clause 5 - To request clarity on what guidance may be issued regarding the composition of the Panel, the selection of panel members, and the appointment process for members.
Clause 7 - To request further details of what is meant by "close association".
Clause 9 - To seek further information on the Department's plans for Assessors.
Clause 15 - To ask whether there are any plans to strengthen this clause to define who would be entitled to shielding procedures and who would not.
Clause 16 - To request an up-to-date position on discussions with the Irish Government regarding cross-border co-operation on the Inquiry, particularly in relation to all-Ireland religious institutions.
Clause 18 - To ask for details of any further departmental consideration of including interim Inquiry reports within the Bill.
Clause 28 - To request the rationale for including the Commissioner for Children and Young People rather than the Commissioner for Older People.
Clause 33 - To seek further information on whether any plans have been made for the application process.
Clause 34 - To request the Department's view on broadening the criteria for priority applications.
Clause 37 - To seek departmental assurances that future payments will be exempt from any form of taxation.
Clause 38 - To request the Department's view on extending the 30-day appeal window, and to ask whether consideration has been given to extending this period to 60 or 90 days.
Clause 42 - To ask how the Department plans to ensure that forthcoming regulations and guidance will include prior survivor consultation and be compassionate in nature.
Clause 46 - To ask whether the Department has considered a mechanism or contingency plan for the outworkings of the Bill, should the Executive collapse.

7. Programme for Government Delivery - Departmental Officials

Agreed: The Committee agreed to postpone the oral evidence session as officials have indicated they are not in a position to provide a written report or update on the PfG at this stage.

8. Update on the Review of COSICA and Independent Review of the HIA Redress process - Oral Briefing (Closed Session)

Agreed: The Committee agreed to move in to closed session at 3.15pm.

The witnesses joined the meeting at 3.16pm.

Carál Ní Chuilín left the meeting at 3.33pm and returned at 3.37pm

Members received an oral briefing from:

Roberta Dalton, Acting Director Victims and Survivors Division, TEO
1. Michael Mulholland, HIA Implementation Branch (HIA Redress Board), TEO
David Hall, HIA Implementation Branch (COSICA), TEO

The witnesses provided an update on the Independent Review of the HIA Redress Process and an update on the continuation of the office of COSICA.

The witnesses left the meeting at 3.46pm.

Áine Murphy joined the meeting at 3.46pm.

The meeting resumed in public session at 3.47pm.

9. Correspondence

The Committee noted the summary of Committee correspondence.
The Committee noted a response from the Committee for Communities to the Committee's correspondence of 27 June regarding views from Statutory Committees on the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to note this item of correspondence and to forward the correspondence to the Department highlighting the Committee for Communities' concerns and to ask that TEO respond to these concerns and outline what engagement has taken place with DfC on the Bill.
The Committee considered a response from TEO to the Committee's correspondence of 23 September 2025 regarding the Dilapidation Bill and the Insolvency (Amendment) Bill.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to note this item of correspondence and to write to both the Committee for the Economy and the Committee for Agriculture outlining a nil return from the Committee.
The Committee considered correspondence from an individual regarding the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill regarding an institution not named within the Bill, Anatomical Issues and Standard and Individual Assessments and the Access to Records Adoption Practice Steering Group.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to note this item of correspondence and to respond to the individual regarding their query and that any issues relating to an update on Memorialisation Plans should be referred to Queen's University in the first instance.
The Committee considered correspondence from an individual regarding clarification on the scope of Clause 3(d) of the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to note this item of correspondence, to forward the correspondence to TEO and to ask them to address the concerns as outlined by the individual in the correspondence.
The Committee considered a response from TEO to the Committee's correspondence on 2 October 2025 requesting an update on payments made by religious institutions under the HIA Redress Scheme, following the HIA Redress Board's closure to new applications on 2 April 2025.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to note this item of correspondence and to write to the Department to ask that it keeps the Committee informed of the details of any payments made by the religious institutions under the HIA Redress Scheme once the process is complete, and to confirm when the process is expected to be completed.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to invite Paul Sweeney, Independent Facilitator, to give an oral briefing to the Committee and to add this to the Committee's Forward Work Programme.
The Committee noted a Hansard Report - Dublin City University; Queen's University Belfast on the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill from the meeting on 1 October 2025.
The Committee noted a Hansard Report - Summary Report on Investigation of Mother and baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses 1922-1990: Police Service of Northern Ireland from the meeting on 1 October 2025.
The Committee noted a response from the Committee for Health to the Committee's correspondence of 27 June regarding views from the Statutory Committees on the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill.
The Committee a response from the Committee for the Economy to the Committee's correspondence of 27 June 2025 in relation to views from the Statutory Committees on the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill.
The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding the urgent need to address parallel failures in family court handling of domestic abuse.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department to ask why domestic abuse in family courts is not being considered as part of Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.
The Committee noted a copy of correspondence from the Committee for Communities to TEO regarding the Programme for Government Target to End Poverty.
The Committee noted a Hansard report for Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill: KRW Law; Law Society of Northern Ireland; Phoenix Law from the meeting on 8 October 2025.
The Committee noted a Hansard report for Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill: Truth Recovery Independent Panel on 8 October 2025.
The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding the integration of family court domestic abuse within the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.
The Committee noted correspondence from an individual in relation to the submission of evidence for the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill.
The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding the Australian Government apology in 2013.
The Committee noted the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Commission for Victims and Survivors for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The Committee noted a TEO Press Release - First Minister unveils new public artwork celebrating City of Peace.
The Committee noted a copy of correspondence sent by an individual to Mr Gavin Robinson MP regarding the removal of a British citizen from Northern Ireland.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to seek permission from the individual to forward their correspondence to both the Justice Committee and the Communities Committee, as it refers to matters relating to policing and housing.
The Committee noted correspondence from an individual in relation to information on Cilliní and Unmarked Burials in Private and Institutional Cemeteries in Ireland.
The Committee noted correspondence from TEO - Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Bi-monthly Ezine.
The Committee noted a news release from TEO - Ministers show support for those affected by baby loss.
The Committee noted correspondence from TEO regarding Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation annual report and accounts for 2024/25.
The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding information discussed at the stakeholder roundtable event regarding the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill in Omagh on the 15 October.
The Committee noted a response from TEO to the Committee's correspondence of 12 September asking the Department what specific activities, including timescales on delivery, are being funded by the Local Change Fund within Council areas here.
The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill and Section 102 of the Adoption and Children Act (NI) 2022.
The Committee noted correspondence from an individual in relation to the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill - Proposal to Include an "Access to Records and Equivalence of Rights" Clause in the Bill.
The Committee noted an invitation from NICCY - World Children's Day: Showcasing Participation with Children and Young People Northern Ireland taking place on Thursday 20 November.
The Committee noted a news release from TEO: Good Relations Indicators 2024 Report.
The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding unlawful refusal, obstruction concerns & Section 77 Notice.
The Committee noted a news release from TEO - Ministers launch Community-led Review on Violence Against Women and Girls in Rural Areas.

10. Forward Work Programme

The Committee considered the draft forward work programme.

The Committee noted an update from the Assistant Clerk regarding the November forward work programme and that Members will be visiting Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation following Halloween recess, on Wednesday 5 November.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to proceed with the remaining briefings as set out in the forward work programme.

11. Any Other Business

None

12. Date and Time of Next Meeting

The Chairperson reminded Membersthat due to Halloween recess the next meeting of the Committee will take place on Wednesday 12 November 2025 at 2.00pm in Room 21.

The Chairperson reminded Members the Committee will visit the Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation on Wednesday 5 November.

The meeting was adjourned at 4.17pm.

Paula Bradshaw MLA

Chairperson, Committee for the Executive Office

Wednesday 22 October 2025