Ministers welcome Public Inquiry and Redress Scheme legislation
Date published:
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have welcomed the passage of the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill by the Assembly.
The legislation, introduced by The Executive Office, will establish an independent statutory public inquiry alongside a financial redress scheme for victims and survivors.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:
"Today is an important moment for victims and survivors who have fought for so long with dignity, courage and determination to be heard and for their experiences to be acknowledged.
“These institutions and practices were built on the foundations of systemic misogyny. Within their walls, women and girls were stripped of dignity, silenced and shamed. Their children, now adults, are still living with that impact today, carrying unanswered questions and loss.
“This legislation is another step towards putting that right through truth, acknowledgement and redress.
“I want to pay tribute to every victim and survivor who helped bring us to this point. Their strength and persistence have been extraordinary and we are sincerely grateful to them.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said:
"We are deeply grateful to the many victims and survivors who shared their experiences and helped shape this legislation. Their bravery in coming forward and speaking openly about such painful personal histories has been humbling, and it is because of them that we are here today.
“These contributions have been central to ensuring that today’s legislation reflects their needs and expectations.
“While legislation alone cannot undo the suffering endured across all parts of our society, we hope this marks the beginning of a new phase.
“We remain committed to working closely with victims and survivors as these important next steps are taken.
“Today is a significant milestone, and we thank everyone who made it possible."
The estimated cost of the legislation is £118 million, which includes £90 million in initial redress payments to support approximately 10,000 redress claims.
Eligible individuals will receive a standard payment of £12,000, while £2,000 will be paid to eligible family members on behalf of loved ones who have died since 28 April 1953.
Work is already underway to implement the legislation, including the establishment of the inquiry and arrangements for delivering the redress scheme. Further details on next steps will be announced in due course.
Notes to editors:
- The Bill completed its Final Stage in the Northern Ireland Assembly on 30 June 2026 and will now be referred for Royal Assent.
- The legislation establishes a statutory public inquiry with powers comparable to those under the Inquiries Act 2005.
- It introduces an initial redress scheme, known as the Standardised Payment (SP), and creates an independent body to administer payments.
- Consultation on secondary legislation will begin in the coming months before being introduced to the Assembly in the Autumn. Once passed, this will enable the inquiry and redress scheme to formally open.
- A copy of the Bill is available here: https://www.niassembly.gov.uk/globalassets/documents/legislation/bills/executive-bills/mandate-2022-2027/inquiry-mother-and-baby-institutions-magdalene-laundries-and-workhouse-and-redress-scheme-bill/inquiry-and-redress-scheme-bill---as-amended-at-fcs--fpv.pdf
- 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/
- For media queries please contact The Executive Office press office via email: press.office@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.