Statement from the Head of Civil Service welcoming appointment of President to HIA Redress Board
Date published:
Speaking after the announcement by the Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan today on the appointment of the President of the Historical Institutional Abuse Redress Board, the Head of the Civil Service David Sterling said:
“I welcome the Lord Chief Justice’s appointment of Mr Justice Colton as President of the Historical Institutional Abuse Redress Board. This is an important step forward in the implementation of the recommendations of the Historical Abuse Inquiry.
“Earlier this week I gave my commitment to victims and survivors that we would be working closely with our partners to enable delivery and I would like to thank Sir Declan Morgan and Mr Justice Colton for their swift provision of support.
“In my meeting with Mr Justice Colton I outlined the next steps in the Executive Office’s accelerated work programme and these will include the identification of non-judicial panel members of the Redress Board and the establishment of administrative arrangements for the compensation scheme.
“I have been in contact with representatives of victims’ and survivors’ groups today to advise them of the appointment and will continue to ensure they are kept updated on progress.”
Notes to editors:
- The announcement by the Lord Chief Justice can be accessed https://judiciaryni.uk
- The HIA (NI) Act provides the legal framework for establishing a Redress Board and a statutory Commissioner.
- The Redress Board will be responsible for receiving, processing applications for and ordering payments of compensation to those who had been abused in residential children’s homes within the HIA Inquiry Terms of Reference. The Board will have powers to compel evidence, documentation and the giving of evidence where it is considered necessary in the interests of justice to do so.
- The role of the Commissioner is to act as an advocate for those who were subject to abuse by ensuring the co-ordination and availability of services and identifying suitable means whereby such services can be made available to those who need them. The COSICA will allocated a separate budget and will be required to report once a year to the NI Assembly thus ensuring the office is independent and adequately resourced. The Commissioner has a duty to appoint an advisory panel comprising only victims and survivors of abuse.
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