First Minister and deputy First Minister welcome the Final Report of the Truth Recovery Independent Panel
Date published:
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have welcomed the publication of the final report of the Truth Recovery Independent Panel, which examined Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries, Workhouses, and related pathways and practices in Northern Ireland between 1922 and 1995.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “This has been another significant week for victims and survivors, and for all those affected by Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries, Workhouses and related pathways and practices. I want to sincerely thank the Independent Panel, led by Co-Chairs Professor Leanne McCormick and Professor Sean O’Connell, for their dedication and commitment throughout this important work.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated in the process. The report draws on 284 testimonies, including 238 gathered directly by the Panel. Many of these accounts describe deeply painful experiences that caused immense and lasting harm. We know this process has provided survivors with an opportunity to speak out, share their experiences and have their voices heard.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “Today’s publication marks a significant milestone, and I want to thank all 10 Panel members for the expertise and commitment they have brought to this work, particularly those with lived experience. I welcome the digitisation of almost 6,000 private records in conjunction with PRONI and the supported oral testimony process, which has enabled many people to share their experiences for the first time.
“Last week, the Inquiry and Redress Scheme Bill completed its Final Stage in the Assembly, and today we have the publication of this landmark report. These are important steps towards truth, accountability and acknowledgement. I would like to thank victims and survivors once again for their courage, engagement and contribution to this process.”
The Ministers noted that the report contains a number of recommendations intended to inform the forthcoming statutory public inquiry, alongside recommendations for a range of organisations, including government departments.
All recommendations will be carefully considered, and a coordinated response will be provided in due course.
Notes to editors:
- The Executive appointed a Truth Recovery Design Panel, which made five recommendations, including the establishment of an integrated truth investigation. The Executive accepted the recommendations of the report.
- A key component of the integrated truth investigation was the establishment of a non-statutory Independent Panel, which was appointed in April 2023 through a public appointments process.
- The Panel consisted of 10 members bringing a broad range of expertise, including three victim and survivors with lived experience.
- The Co-Chairs are Professor Leanne McCormick and Professor Sean O’Connell.
- A copy of the final report is available at: https://www.independentpanel.truthrecoveryni.co.uk/key-documents
- On 30 June 2026, the Assembly passed the Final Stage of the Inquiry and Redress Bill, which will establish a statutory Public Inquiry. The work of the Independent Panel will support a more focused and timely inquiry, with more than 6,000 private records digitised and 284 oral testimonies gathered as part of its work.
- Victims and survivors can access a range of support services, including tailored emotional support, which over 600 people have accessed to date. More information is available at: https://www.victimsservice.org/mother-baby-institutions-magdalene-laundries-workhouses