Assembly Committee pays tribute as Inquiry legislation reaches Final Stage

The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for the Executive Office has paid tribute to the victims and survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses - as landmark legislation to establish a formal public inquiry reached its Final Stage in the Assembly.

The Bill passed its Final Stage this week (Tuesday 30 June) after Members had a final opportunity to vote on the legislation, following amendments and full consideration. It now proceeds to Royal Assent after which it will become law.

Paula Bradshaw MLA, Chairperson of the Committee for the Executive Office recognised that the day was a ‘huge milestone’ - especially for those who had waited decades for recognition of the harm and suffering they have endured.

The purpose of the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill is to establish a formal Inquiry into the institutions between 1922 and 1995 - and set up a Redress Scheme for the victims and survivors.

The Committee began its scrutiny work of the Bill in June 2025 and since then has engaged extensively on it, hearing a wide range of testimonies and views.

Paula Bradshaw said: “As a Committee, we have deeply valued and appreciated the contributions of everyone who participated during the important scrutiny stage.

“Since then, the Bill has been debated and amendments have been considered. Last week, we welcomed the support of MLAs for a Committee amendment which revised the cut-off date for posthumous compensation claims from 29 September 2011 to 28 April 1953.”

The Chair added that as no amendment was tabled by The Executive Office (TEO) in relation to the posthumous date, the Committee considered that it had an obligation to bring forward the amendment itself.

She said: “This amendment strengthened the Bill by broadening eligibility for redress payments. Addressing the issue of the posthumous cut-off date ensured that individuals who might previously have been excluded are now potentially included within the scope of the scheme. In doing so, it promotes greater fairness and widens access to redress for victims, survivors and their families.”

The Chair gave assurances that the Committee would continue to work on behalf of victims and survivors as the Inquiry approached – in terms of scrutinising the delegated legislation, engaging on memorialisation, access to records and making the necessary recommendations for the successor Committee to take forward, including in relation to the Individualised Payment Scheme.

Ends

For further information, please contact Felicity Templeton, Assembly communications office felicity.templeton@niassembly.gov.uk  / 07977 635930

Notes to editors: To read more about the Bill and keep up to date with the Committee’s work, please click here