Speaking on the consideration stage of the Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses and Redress Scheme.

Yesterday in the Assembly, I welcomed the consideration stage of the Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses and Redress Scheme. I wanted to pay tribute to the victims and survivors who spoke to us at the committee, and to commend their bravery in coming forward.

However, it is disappointing the committee amendment to extend the posthumous date for people to be eligible for the redress payment was rejected. This is something I will be pushing the Speaker’s Office on in the Executive Office Committee and at the further consideration stage of the Bill. To quote a daughter whose mother will be excluded; "People are exhausted, furious and deeply hurt. Survivors deserve better than this."

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