Consultation for legislation to support victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse extended

The Executive Office has responded positively to requests from some victims and survivors groups for an extension to the consultation on draft legislation intended to help the victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse.

The department published three pieces of proposed legislation on November 19, 2018 for consultation in line with the recommendations made in the Hart Report in January 2017 to establish:

• a Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse;
• a Redress Board; and
• a compensation scheme.

The consultation was to run up to February 10, 2019. However, the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, David Sterling stated: “I have agreed, in response to requests from victims and survivors, to extend the 12 week consultation period by a further four weeks up to March 10, 2019. At the outset of this process I was very clear that the Executive Office would respond flexibly and positively to any legitimate request for an extension. This is a hugely important topic and it is vital that victims and survivors have every opportunity to respond.”

More information and details on how to respond are available on TEO’s website: www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/HIA-consultation

When the consultation process is complete, the proposed legislation will be for Ministers to consider and take forward.

David Sterling said: “I remain committed to moving to implementation, as quickly as possible, once Ministers have taken the necessary decisions.”

Notes to editors: 

Media enquiries to The Executive Office Press Office on 028 9037 8142. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer on 028 9037 8110.

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