To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the preparations for the redress scheme as provided for in the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill (NIA Bill 15/22-27).

Mrs Little-Pengelly

Mr Speaker, with your permission, junior Minister Bunting will answer the question.

Ms Bunting

Preparations for the redress service are progressing well, and the intention is to launch it later this year, subject to the passage of the legislation. In the interim, a shadow redress service has been established in the Department of Justice. That team includes officials with experience from other redress schemes, and they bring valuable expertise in working in a trauma-informed way. The current work is centred on developing the IT system, progressing staff recruitment and developing the support model so that everything is ready to go. The shadow secretary has met the Victims and Survivors Consultation Forum several times and will continue to engage as the application process and support arrangements are further developed. Our officials and the shadow secretary would also welcome the opportunity to brief the Committee on the plans in the coming months. Our collective focus remains on delivering a redress scheme that treats people with sensitivity and dignity, and with the respect that they deserve.

Ms Bunting

I am grateful to the Member for her question. We know that access to records is a hugely important issue for victims and survivors, and we are aware that many have faced real obstacles and difficulties in trying to understand their past or trace their family history. Work has been ongoing to improve that experience and make those processes as straightforward and supportive as possible. Applicants to the scheme will have practical support from the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS), WAVE Trauma Centre and Adopt NI to help them to navigate what can be a difficult and emotional process. We are also working closely with the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland on digitising records and with the health and social care trusts and the Department of Health on managing any resourcing pressures so that resources can be located and provided as efficiently as possible. However, we have to be realistic and mindful that the removal of the posthumous date could lead to thousands more applications, with many relating to events going back over a century to the beginning of the state. That would have a bearing.

Mr Speaker

There are no points of order during Question Time —

Mr Speaker

— but I note the comment. If Members wish to engage in loud conversations, they could perhaps do that outside. If they do so quietly, that is a different matter.

Ms Flynn

I thank the junior Minister for her response regarding redress. When will the inquiry chair be appointed, and when will the public inquiry start?

Ms Bunting

The public inquiry will open as soon as possible after the primary and secondary legislation come into force. I have already outlined the time frame for the primary legislation, and the secondary legislation is progressing well. As I said, we are conscious of time, but we are eager to ensure that the decisions that we take, the processes that are in place and the outworkings of those are right for victims and survivors. With regard to the appointment of the inquiry chair, in its interim report, the independent panel recommended that Ministers consider the early appointment of the chair of the public inquiry. We see a number of benefits to the early appointment of an inquiry chair designate and can confirm that work is ongoing to achieve that. The Department worked in conjunction with victims and survivors on the proposed process and sought appropriate nominations. Approximately 59 nominations were received, of which 29 were from victims and survivors. A shortlist has been agreed, and it is hoped that the inquiry chair designate will be in place as soon as practically possible.

Mr Brett

I welcome the junior Minister back to her place. We are delighted to have her back. In relation to contributions, the Committee was very keen that work be done by the Executive Office team to ensure that the named institutions contributed to the scheme. Can the junior Minister update us on the work that officials have undertaken on that important matter?

Ms Bunting

I am very grateful to the Member for that question. Every right-thinking person has an expectation that institutions found to have caused harm or abuse should absolutely contribute, but timing is critical. Let me be clear: we are absolutely committed to seeking contributions from the organisations deemed responsible, but we must do so at the appropriate time and in a way that does not compromise the delivery of the scheme or the independence of the public inquiry. Where wrongdoing has been found, in my view, there is a moral obligation for institutions to contribute. It is the right thing to do. Society expects it, and, more significantly, for victims and survivors, it is an important aspect of accountability. However, I must warn that trying to compel contributions through legislation would carry real risks. It could raise compatibility issues with the European Convention on Human Rights and, in turn, create questions for us around the legislative competence of our Bill. There are also issues around property and those promoting current service, which could be jeopardised. There is a lot to think about, and a considered and informed decision is required. We are actively considering the Committee's proposed amendment to place a duty on the Department to publish a report on how contributions will be sought once the inquiry has concluded. We agree with the intention behind the proposal, but we reserve the right to bring forward our own amendment to best reflect the departmental policy and the legalities and to give us the best opportunity to maximise contributions. I assure the House that we are exploring all avenues in relation to seeking contributions. In February, junior Minister Reilly and I met the Scottish Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, to discuss the Scottish approach. Interestingly, Scotland reports on contributions that are received and those that are not, but its scheme also involves a waiver as an incentive, and everything in its scheme is voluntary. We are also planning to meet Minister Norma Foley from the Irish Government on the same issue in the coming months.

Mr Speaker

Minister, your time is up.

Ms Bunting

I assure Members that work is ongoing to shape a fair and legally sound model.