£114m Plan To Compensate NI Abuse Victims Proposed

A scheme to compensate survivors of historic abuse in children's homes which may cost up to £114million has been opened to public consultation.

Draft legislation has been published by the head of Northern Ireland's Civil Service, David Sterling, which covers three areas; the compensation scheme, a Redress Board, and a Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse.

He pledged to do as much as he can to have the recommendations ready for when the time comes that elected politicians are in place to take decisions.

The proposals were published on Monday 19 November and consultation will run for a 12 week period, closing on 10 February 2019.

"I have met with victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse on several occasions since being appointed Head of the Civil Service. I have heard harrowing personal accounts of the destructive impact the abuse has had on many people," Mr Sterling said.

"Many of them feel that there is no escape and unfortunately that is something that will live with them for a very long time. They have told me that many years later they are still hurting, still suffering."

He continued that the issue has been a "challenging and complex" area of work, but something that is owed to victims and survivors.

"I urge anyone who has an interest to contribute to this consultation on the draft legislation."



(JG/CM)