Further payment received towards the cost of historical institutional abuse redress

The First Minister and deputy First Minister confirmed today that a contribution has been received from the Diocese of Down and Connor towards the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Redress Scheme.

This payment, which follows a contribution from the De La Salle Order in September, relates specifically to homes managed jointly with the Order.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:

“We welcome this second payment relating to these homes. Following recent commitments from the Good Shepherd Sisters and Barnardo’s, it is encouraging to see constructive dialogue with the institutions gaining momentum.

“While financial compensation can never address the pain suffered by victims and survivors of historical abuse, each contribution represents an acknowledgment of responsibility that is essential to the healing process.”

Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, said:

“Victims and survivors continue to live with the lasting impacts of abuse and trauma, and holding those responsible to account is vital in their journey towards healing. We appreciate the Diocese of Down and Connor’s contribution, and the De La Salle Order’s continued cooperation.

“Our commitment is to ensure a fair and balanced approach to discussions with all institutions. We remain focused on reaching agreements on further contributions and will publish details of all payments once the process has concluded.”

Both Ministers also reminded all victims and survivors who have yet to apply to the HIA Redress Board to do so as soon as possible, in advance of the April 2025 deadline.

Notes to editors: 

1. Barnardo’s, the De La Salle Order, Sisters of Nazareth, Sisters of St Louis, The Good Shepherd Sisters, and the Irish Church Missions were identified by the Hart Report as being required to make contributions towards the cost of the Historical Institutional Abuse Redress scheme and specialist support services.
2. The Diocese of Down and Connor made a contribution towards the cost of redress, in respect of De La Salle homes, in November 2024.  This follows a payment from the De La Salle Order in September 2024.
3. The Executive Office received a contribution from Barnardo’s based on the first three years of Redress Board determinations in August 2024.
4. The Good Shepherd Sisters made a payment based on the first three years of Redress Board determinations in April 2024.  A second payment relating to the fourth year of Redress Board determinations was received in July 2024.
5. Mr Paul Sweeney was appointed as an Independent Facilitator to take forward discussions with the relevant institutions as to an appropriate financial contribution to the overall cost of the HIA Redress Board and specialist support services, as recommended by the Hart Inquiry.

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