First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have welcomed the Assembly's approval of the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill.

Brought forward by The Executive Office, the legislation will set up an independent statutory public inquiry and create a financial redress scheme for victims and survivors.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "Today is an important moment for victims and survivors who have fought for so long with dignity, courage and determination to be heard and for their experiences to be acknowledged.

"These institutions and practices were built on the foundations of systemic misogyny. Within their walls, women and girls were stripped of dignity, silenced and shamed. Their children, now adults, are still living with that impact today, carrying unanswered questions and loss.

"This legislation is another step towards putting that right  through truth, acknowledgement and redress. 

"I want to pay tribute to every victim and survivor who helped bring us to this point. Their strength and persistence have been extraordinary and we are sincerely grateful to them."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: "We are deeply grateful to the many victims and survivors who shared their experiences and helped shape this legislation. Their bravery in coming forward and speaking openly about such painful personal histories has been humbling, and it is because of them that we are here today.

"These contributions have been central to ensuring that today's legislation reflects their needs and expectations.  

"While legislation alone cannot undo the suffering endured across all parts of our society, we hope this marks the beginning of a new phase. "We remain committed to working closely with victims and survivors as these important next steps are taken. 

"Today is a significant milestone, and we thank everyone who made it possible."

The overall package is estimated to cost £118 million, including £90 million for initial redress payments supporting around 10,000 claims. Eligible individuals will receive a standard payment of £12,000, with £2,000 payable to eligible family members on behalf of loved ones who have died since 28 April 1953.

Preparatory work is already underway to establish the inquiry and put arrangements in place for delivery of the redress scheme, with further information to follow.

The Bill completed its Final Stage in the Northern Ireland Assembly on 30 June 2026 and will now be referred for Royal Assent. The legislation provides for a statutory public inquiry with powers comparable to those under the Inquiries Act 2005, introduces an initial Standardised Payment (SP), and creates an independent body to administer payments. Consultation on secondary legislation will begin in the coming months before being introduced to the Assembly in the Autumn; once approved, the inquiry and redress scheme can formally open.

A copy of the Bill is available here.

Victims and survivors can access a range of support services, including tailored emotional support already used by more than 600 people. Further details: www.victimsservice.org/mother-baby-institutions-magdalene-laundries-workhouses/