A Step Towards Justice: New Redress Scheme for Mother and Baby Institutions Survivors
Redress Scheme
The Northern Ireland Executive has introduced landmark legislation to establish a statutory public Inquiry into Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses, together with an associated Redress Scheme. This represents a significant step towards truth, justice and recognition for the thousands of women, girls and their children who suffered within these institutions between 1922 and 1995.
Women and girls, many while heavily pregnant, were subjected to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. Their children, now adults, were also failed on every level. Many were separated from their mothers at birth without consent, and some spent years searching for their identities while being denied access to their own records.
The Truth Recovery Public Inquiry
The Inquiry and Redress Scheme Bill was introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly on 16 June 2025 by First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. The legislation establishes a statutory public inquiry with powers equivalent to those under the Inquiries Act 2005 to investigate the systemic failings associated with these institutions.
The Inquiry will examine what happened, why it happened, and who was responsible. It will focus on the period from 1922 to 1995 and will investigate systemic failings by prescribed institutions, public bodies and other persons in the care of relevant persons during their time within prescribed institutions; the admission and departure of relevant persons from these institutions; the registration, regulation and inspection of the institutions; and the placement of children for adoption, fostering or other care arrangements.
The institutions currently listed for investigation include Mother and Baby Homes operated by the Good Shepherd Sisters, the Legion of Mary, the Salvation Army and other religious and charitable organisations, as well as Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses. The legislation provides flexibility for additional institutions to be added as evidence emerges.
The Truth Recovery Redress Scheme
The Bill also establishes the Truth Recovery Redress Service, an independent body that will administer financial payments to eligible persons. The Redress Scheme has two components:
Standardised Payment: An initial payment of £10,000 for eligible victims and survivors, and £2,000 for eligible relatives of deceased persons. This is an acknowledgement payment recognising the impact of admission to these institutions.
Individually Assessed Payment: A further harm-based payment scheme will follow in separate legislation after the Inquiry concludes. This will provide additional compensation based on the specific harm suffered by individuals.
Importantly, redress payments will not affect entitlement to means-tested benefits, Legal Aid or residential care home costs. Receiving a standardised payment will not prevent individuals from pursuing further compensation through other legal avenues.
Who is Eligible?
Under the current provisions, the following persons may be eligible for a standardised payment: adults who were admitted to a relevant institution between 1922 and 1995 for the primary purpose of receiving shelter or maintenance; children (now adults) who were admitted to a relevant institution during this period; persons who were born while their mother was under the care of a relevant institution, or whose mother was under the care of an institution immediately before their birth; and eligible relatives of deceased persons who would have been eligible under the above criteria.
Relevant Institutions
The institutions currently listed in the Bill include:
St Mary's Home (Good Shepherd Sisters) – Rossmore Drive, Belfast (1922–1982); Dungiven Road, Derry (1922–1982); and Armagh Road, Newry (1946–1984).
Mater Dei (Legion of Mary) – Antrim Road, Belfast (1942–1984).
Marianville (Good Shepherd Sisters) – 511 Ormeau Road, Belfast (1950–1990).
Marianvale (Good Shepherd Sisters) – Armagh Road, Newry (1955–1984).
Belfast Midnight Mission/Malone Place Maternity Home – Malone Place, Belfast (1922–1948).
Church of Ireland Rescue League/Kennedy House – Cliftonville Avenue, Belfast (1922–1956).
Hopedene House – Dundela Avenue, Belfast (1943–1985).
Thorndale House Mother and Baby Home (Salvation Army) – Duncairn Avenue, Belfast (1922–1977).
Mount Oriel – 4 Mount Oriel, Belfast (1969–1978).
The legislation provides for additional institutions to be added by regulation following consultation with the Inquiry Chairperson.
How We Can Help
P.A. Duffy & Co Solicitors has extensive experience representing victims of historical abuse in public inquiries and redress schemes. Our expert team will work proactively to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected throughout this process. Our human rights team deals with a full spectrum of cases involving breaches of human rights as well as judicial review cases, including in respect of institutional abuse and mother and baby homes.
We have been involved in many major cases which have shaped the law in Northern Ireland, and we have successfully represented clients in cases before the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg, the Special Criminal Court in Dublin and the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry. Our commitment to legal excellence is independently verified — we have been recognised by Chambers & Partners for our significant expertise in Public Inquiries (UK-wide) and Clinical Negligence.
If you or a family member were affected by Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries or Workhouses in Northern Ireland, we are here to help. Our expert team will provide compassionate, confidential advice with no obligation.
To speak with one of our dedicated team members, call us on 028 8772 2102 or email us at enquiries@paduffy.com
*This information is intended for general guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice specific to your circumstances.