Institutions make payments to cost of HIA redress

Two institutions have made contributions towards the cost of the Historical Institutional Abuse Redress Scheme.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly confirmed today that a second contribution has been received from The Good Shepherd Sisters, and Barnardo's has also made a payment.

Welcoming the contributions, First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, said:

"Victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse continue to live with the terrible trauma which was inflicted on them.

"There is no amount of compensation which will ever make up for how they were failed but we have listened to them, and we know that for many, financial contributions from institutions are an important matter of accountability.

"This is, therefore, a welcome move by The Good Shepherd Sisters and Barnardo's. It is important that this momentum is maintained. Discussions with the other institutions are continuing with a view to reaching agreement on their respective contributions towards the cost of redress and specialist services."

Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, said:

"We are very conscious of the very personal, difficult and unique challenges that many victims and survivors of historical abuse face as a result of their lived experience and the importance of holding those responsible to account.

"We acknowledge the contributions from Barnardo's and The Good Shepherd Sisters and welcome their continued cooperation and constructive engagement.

"Our priority remains securing a fair and equitable approach that meets the needs of victims and survivors. As Ministers, we will do all we can to ensure that discussions with all institutions remain constructive and will continue working towards agreeing further contributions as a matter of priority."

Both Ministers also encouraged all victims and survivors who intend to make an application to the Redress Board to do so as soon as possible, and in advance of next year's April deadline.

Notes to editors:

1. Barnardo's, The De La Salle Order, Sisters of Nazareth, Sisters of St Louis, The Good Shepherd Sisters, and the Irish Church Missions were identified by the Hart Report as being required to make contributions towards the cost of the Historical Institutional Abuse Redress scheme and specialist support services.
2. The Executive Office received a contribution from Barnardo's based on the first three years of Redress Board determinations in August 2024.
3. The Good Shepherd Sisters made a payment based on the first three years of Redress Board determinations in April 2024. A second payment relating to the fourth year of Redress Board determinations was received in July 2024.
4. Mr Paul Sweeney was appointed as an Independent Facilitator to take forward discussions with the relevant institutions as to an appropriate financial contribution to the overall cost of the HIA Redress Board and specialist support services, as recommended by the Hart Inquiry.

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