To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister what increased support they intend to add to support the work of the Inter-Departmental Working Group on Mother and Baby Homes, Magdalene Laundries and Historical Clerical Child Abuse, given the identified need to focus on support for victims and survivors.

Survivors from Mother and Baby Homes and Magdalene Laundries have rightly pressed for truth and for justice. Publication of the research report on 26 January and the Executive decision to proceed with an independent investigation, co-designed by victims and survivors, were important milestones.

On 4 March, it was announced that a team of experts had been appointed to work in partnership with victims and survivors of these institutions to establish the terms of reference for the independent investigation. It is intended that the co-design work will conclude by September 2021. The outcome of the co-design process will be referred initially to the Inter-departmental Working Group, led by Judith Gillespie. IDWG will then provide advice to the Executive.

Resourcing of the IDWG will be kept under review in light of the further development of its work.

The IDWG is very conscious of the potential impact on victims and survivor and Departments are taking steps to ensure appropriate support is available to survivors. The Department of Health has arranged for the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) to provide a support package which includes: Listening Ear; Psychological Therapies; Caseworker and assistance in accessing statutory services; and Emotional support at the co-design meetings and throughout the process.

Officials from the Executive Office are also considering how best VSS could support survivors of historical clerical child abuse as that work progresses.