The Northern Ireland Executive has announced plans to set up a statutory inquiry into the historical abuse and mistreatment that occurred in Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses.

The legislation, introduced by First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, also includes provision for a redress scheme for survivors and affected families.

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 29 September 2011.

Ministers spoke to victims and survivors this morning and thanked them for their tireless campaign for justice. First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "Today we have introduced legislation to establish an Inquiry into Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses; and an associated redress scheme.  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.  We want to thank those all who have long campaigned for justice and for all their assistance in helping us to reach this point."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added: "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.

"We remain committed to addressing this dark period of our past and we want to encourage everyone affected to come forward and be heard."

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