Committee Chair calls for urgent reform of institutional abuse redress scheme

By Q Radio News

The Chairman of Stormont’s Executive Office Committee is to call for urgent reform of the Executive’s Historical Institutional Abuse redress scheme following the testimony of victims who have said the process risks ‘retraumatising’ those who have suffered abuse.

Colin McGrath MLA will lead a debate in the Assembly today calling for an immediate review of the redress process following evidence from victims and survivors who believe the impersonal, judicial character of the process is having a serious impact on those involved.

Speaking ahead of a Committee Motion to be heard in the Assembly, Colin McGrath MLA said:

Colin continued,

“It was chilling to hear survivors of institutional abuse relate their experience of the redress scheme to the MLAs last month.

They have described a process that has made them feel degraded and dishonest and has ultimately retraumatised many.

The state failed these victims once; we cannot allow it to happen again.

“If the redress process feels judicial in character, then of course victims are going to feel like they’re on trial. If it is too long and complicated, then of course many will disengage.

Following evidence from those involved in the process, we have asked the redress board to assess their current practice.

It is increasingly clear, however, that the failure to provide adequate support to victims and survivors needs the immediate attention of the joint First Ministers.

“I am calling on Paul Givan and Michelle O’Neill to listen to the testimony we have heard and to take immediate steps to review the redress process.”