Inquiry and redress scheme for survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses to be established

The First Minister and Deputy First Minister introduced legislation this week.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: "These institutions and practices were a product of systemic misogyny. The regime inflicted on women and girls, many while heavily pregnant, was appalling and constituted cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

"Today, we also must also acknowledge that not only did women have their rights grossly denied within these institutions, so too did their children, now adults. They too were failed on every level.

"We hope this legislation demonstrates our sincere commitment to respecting and fulfilling the wishes of those who for many decades have suffered and been silenced.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “We deeply regret the pain and suffering of victims and survivors and today is a testament to their courage as we introduce this important and significant legislation.

"We know how long they have waited for answers and I hope they see this legislation as an important stage in the process as we seek to uncover the truth and hold those responsible to account.”

The estimated cost is £80million, which includes almost £60m in initial redress payments to cover approximately 6,600 redress claims. Each eligible person will receive a payment of £10,000 and a £2,000 payment will be made to each eligible family member on behalf of a loved one who has died since September 29, 2011.

A further Individually Assessed Payment (IAP) for the specific harm suffered by an individual will follow the public inquiry.