Consultation to help NI abuse victims is extended

PUBLIC consultation on proposed laws helping victims of abuse in children’s homes in Northern Ireland is to be extended by four weeks.

Some survivors’ groups had requested the extension as civil servants consider draft legislation aimed at creating a commissioner, redress board and compensation scheme.

Implementation of proposals put forward by the Historic Institutional Abuse Inquiry (HIA), chaired by retired judge Sir Anthony Hart, two years ago has been delayed by the political impasse.

Head of the Civil Service David Sterling yesterday said: “I have agreed, in response to requests from victims and survivors, to extend the 12-week consultation period by a further four weeks, up to March 10, 2019.

“This is a hugely important topic and it is vital that victims and survivors have every opportunity to respond.”

It is understood a modelling exercise carried out by Stormont officials has estimated a total of £97m being awarded in redress to survivors.

In addition £17m is needed to fund both the mechanism that will assess and deliver the payments and a full-time commissioner’s role to oversee the scheme.

The public inquiry report recommended compensation payments ranging from £7,500 to £100,000 after examining allegations of abuse in 22 homes and other residential institutions between 1922 and 1995.

The facilities were run by the state, local authorities, churches and charities.