Northern Ireland politicians have launched an international appeal, asking victims and survivors of mother and baby institutions for their views on legislation to establish a public inquiry and financial redress scheme aimed at addressing historical injustices.

Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Belfast are appealing for feedback on the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill, which was introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly in June 2025.

The Bill will see the establishment of a formal inquiry into Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries, and Workhouses in Northern Ireland between 1922 and 1995. It will also set up a redress scheme for the victims and survivors of these institutions.

The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for the Executive Office has begun work scrutinising the Bill and is asking anyone who will be directly affected by the legislation to respond to an online consultation, which closes on September 29, 2025.

The Chairperson of the Committee for the Executive Office, Paula Bradshaw MLA said: “This is a Bill to make provision relating to one of the most distressing and hurtful episodes in Northern Ireland’s history.

"At this stage, the Committee’s role is to ensure that the Bill leads to the creation of a truth and redress scheme that is strong, robust, fit for purpose, and capable of delivering the greatest possible impact.

“We want to hear from those who will be directly affected by the Bill and the schemes it creates.

"As well as publicising details of the consultation across the UK and Ireland, we are also reaching out to those in Canada, Australia, and the United States - as we are aware people right across the world may have connections to the institutions or know someone who is a victim or survivor. We want as many as possible to have their say on the Bill.

“Our aim is to get the message out as widely as possible that we want your feedback on this Bill and your views are very important to us. The consultation is available online here, but we can also email or post hard copies to anyone who is interested, anywhere in the world. Email cteotrconsultation@niassembly.gov.uk or contact the Committee for the Executive Office, Room 247, Parliament Buildings, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT4 3XX.

“Getting the foundations of the Inquiry and the Redress Scheme right is essential, and the Committee takes this responsibility extremely seriously. That is why it is important to be clear our work at this stage is focused on the legislation required to establish the Inquiry – and this is not the beginning of the Inquiry itself.

“We deeply value the lived experiences and personal testimonies of those affected by Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses and as a Committee we’re committed to listening to the people affected in as respectful and open a way as possible. Whilst personal narratives and testimony are not the focus at this stage, they remain a vital part of the broader context, having significantly informed the Bill's creation and will help us in our role of scrutinising this important piece of legislation.”

To support those giving evidence and help stakeholders understand the legislative process of the Bill, the Committee is holding a series of familiarisation sessions with stakeholders, including an online event on Thursday, September 11. If you are interested in attending this virtually, you can email: cteotrconsultation@niassembly.gov.uk.