As Inquiry legislation becomes law, Assembly Committee pays tribute to victims and survivors

As the Inquiry and Redress Scheme Bill receives Royal Assent* and becomes law this week ( Wednesday 7 October ), the Assembly’s Committee for the Executive Office has paid tribute to the victims and survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses.

Paula Bradshaw MLA, Chairperson of the Committee for the Executive Office said: “The granting of Royal Assent to the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill represents a historic and long-awaited milestone for victims and survivors.

“It reflects years of determined campaigning and advocacy and paves the way for the establishment of the statutory public inquiry and redress scheme - and is an important step towards acknowledging past wrongs and ensuring that those affected receive the recognition they deserve.

“This new Act now provides the legal basis for the Inquiry and Redress Scheme and enables work to progress towards its implementation, bringing Northern Ireland closer to delivering redress and recognition for those affected.”

Committee members recognised that the day was hugely significant - especially for those who had waited decades for recognition of the harm and suffering they have endured.  

Paula Bradshaw MLA continued: “As a Committee, we have deeply valued the contributions of everyone who participated during our scrutiny of the legislation.

“We are also pleased to note that Rachel Langdale KC, an experienced barrister with significant expertise in public inquiries and complex investigations, has been appointed Chair of the Truth Recovery Public Inquiry into Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses (1922-1995).”

The Chair added that, while the legislation has now become law, the Committee will continue to work on behalf of victims and survivors as implementation of the inquiry and redress scheme progresses.

Ends

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

Notes to editors:

*Royal Assent is the final stage in the legislative process. Once it is granted, a Bill passed by the Assembly becomes law.

The Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Act (Northern Ireland) 2026 became law on 7 ^th October 2026. 

• The Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill was introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly in June 2025 and, having completed all Assembly stages, has now received Royal Assent and become law. To read more and keep up to date with the Committee’s work, click here .
• The purpose of the Act is to establish a formal Inquiry into the institutions (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) between 1922 and 1995 and set up a Redress Scheme for the victims and survivors.
• The Committee began its scrutiny of the Bill in June 2025 and has engaged extensively with victims and survivors, hearing a wide range of testimonies and views.
• The Executive Office opened an eight-week public consultation on the Inquiry Rules and Redress Scheme Regulations for Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses 23 September 2026 (closing date: 17 November 2026).  For further information, see here .
• The Inquiry is expected to begin hearing oral evidence in 2027 and report its findings in 2029.  Rachel Langdale KC is a leading King's Counsel with extensive experience of public inquiries, independent reviews and public law, including as Counsel to the Thirlwall Inquiry and Counsel to the Nottingham Inquiry. For more information, see here .