The Northern Ireland Assembly has finalised the legislative process for a new statute designed to examine the history of Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses.
This legislation also establishes a formal mechanism to provide redress to those affected by these facilities between 1922 and 1995.
The Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Act (Northern Ireland) 2026 received Royal Assent on Wednesday 7 October.
Scrutiny of the proposed Bill commenced in June 2025 with the Committee for the Executive Office engaging extensively with victims and survivors through a wide range of testimonies.
An eight-week public consultation regarding Inquiry Rules and Redress Scheme Regulations ran from 23 September to 17 November 2026.
The inquiry is anticipated to commence oral evidence hearings in 2027, with findings due for publication by 2029.
Rachel Langdale KC, a leading King's Counsel with significant experience of public inquiries and independent reviews including the Thirlwall and Nottingham cases, has been identified as counsel for the inquiry.
For further information, contact Felicity Templeton at felicity.templeton@niassembly.gov.uk or 07977 635930.