Law enacted on Mother and Baby Institutions inquiry as Assembly Committee honours victims

The Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Act received Royal Assent on Wednesday 7 October while the Northern Ireland Assembly's Committee for the Executive Office paid tribute to those affected

By Rachel Graham1 min read

The legislation formally establishing an inquiry into institutions operating between 1922 and 1995 has become law following its passage through the Northern Ireland Assembly.

This legal framework also creates a Redress Scheme designed to support victims and survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses.

The Committee for the Executive Office marked the completion of the legislative process by acknowledging the experiences of those impacted by these facilities.

Scrutiny of the proposed measure commenced in June 2025, during which time the committee engaged extensively with individuals providing testimony on their personal histories.

A public consultation regarding specific rules and regulations for the inquiry ran for eight weeks, opening on 23 September 2026 and concluding on 17 November 2026.

Oral evidence sessions are anticipated to start in 2027, with a final report due by 2029.

Felicity Templeton from the Assembly communications office remains available for further details regarding the new Act.

The Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Act (Northern Ireland) 2026 officially came into force on 7 October 2026.