Aisling Reilly
West Belfast · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“As well as thanking every one of the victims and survivors who have contributed, I take the opportunity to also thank the Members of the House past and present and, in particular, the Committee Chair and Committee members, who worked so diligently and carefully to study and examine the Bill, to listen to victims and survivors and to bring…”
“Dealing with that injustice was core to the approach of the Bill. <BR /> <BR />Before concluding deliberations on the Bill, I will bring our focus back to the women and children — now adults — their families and all survivors whose experiences have brought us to this point.”
“It is only by addressing the truths hidden in dark shadows that we can begin to properly shine a light on a society that continues to violate and oppress too many women and girls and to make sure that it never happens again and that, together, we commit to breaking the cycle of harm and violence against women and girls.”
“I hope that it now respects and fulfils the wishes of the women and girls who, for many decades, have suffered and been silenced. <BR /> <BR />It is a large, complex and sensitive piece of legislation. It is, no doubt, much more complex legislation than it first appeared, and there were many factors to balance.”
“<BR /> <BR />For some, the prospect of engaging with the inquiry may feel daunting. For that reason, we listened to victims and survivors when they told us that they wanted us to create a dual investigation, so that individuals had the option to engage with an expert independent panel and provide testimony in a different and more informal…”
“I say to the people who are still considering whether to come forward that your testimony matters. To those who have spent years searching for answers, I say that the inquiry will seek those answers.”
The complete record
Every one of 620 lines we hold for Aisling Reilly, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 1 of 13.
“<BR /> <BR />In closing, I thank our officials, including Martin Carey, and Michaela, Francesca, Stephanie, Pauline and the rest of the truth recovery team for their efforts. Their efforts, dedication and professionalism have been central to shaping the delivery of this essential legislation. <BR /> <BR />Finally, we hope that those who are gathered in the Public Gallery and those who are watching online feel the significance of this moment, because it belongs to you. We commend each and every one of you and all those whose voices you carry with you. Although this is the Final Stage of this Bill, it is certainly not the end. We will walk with you every step of the way. Today is your day. I commend the Bill to the House.”
“I say to the people who are still considering whether to come forward that your testimony matters. To those who have spent years searching for answers, I say that the inquiry will seek those answers. To all who were affected, I say that the Assembly recognises the importance of the truth and of acknowledging the impact that those institutions had on people's lives. Today is not, by any means, the end of that journey. Rather, it opens the door to an important new part of the journey. We wish to assure each and every one of you that we will continue to work to implement the legislation in full and at as quick a pace as the process provides. Today is an important step towards truth, acknowledgement, accountability and, we hope, a greater measure of understanding for all of those affected.”
“We can provide a measure of recognition to people who have waited many years to receive it. That is exactly what the Bill seeks to achieve.”
“No Bill can erase the grief experienced by mothers who were separated from their children, by children who grew up without knowing who they are or by those whose lives were shaped by loss, shame, stigma and silence. What we can do is face that past honestly. We can create a process that seeks the truth wherever it leads, and we can acknowledge the experience of those affected.”
“The changes made following the consultation demonstrate our willingness to listen and adapt the scheme to better meet the needs of those it is intended to serve. <BR /> <BR />It is also important that we remember those who are not here to see this day. Many people campaigned for acknowledgement, truth and redress but did not live long enough to witness the legislation reach its Final Stage today. We owe it to them and their families to make sure that their experiences remain part of the memorialisation initiatives and the historical record that the inquiry will establish. Pleased as we are to stand here today as the legislation passes, it goes without saying that no legislation can undo the harrowing experiences that have happened in the past.”
“<BR /> <BR />The standardised payment provided through the scheme will never reflect the entirety of what people endured: no payment could ever achieve that, nor is it intended to. As is only right and fair, some individuals will also be provided with an opportunity to apply for an individually assessed payment following the inquiry, which will go some way towards reflecting the more difficult experiences. That, however, is for another day and another piece of legislation. The creation of an independent redress service, supported by appropriate powers and safeguards, is intended to make sure that applications are handled fairly and consistently. Equally important is the fact that the scheme has evolved in response to the views of victims and survivors.”
“That came about because Ministers listened to the victims and survivors who set out their wish for a statutory redress scheme to provide financial acknowledgement before the work of the inquiry was finalised. The redress scheme provides an inclusive, supported and simple application process that does not require a statement of experience. It does not require an applicant to sign a waiver; payments will not impact on a person's social security payments; and there will be no deductions for any previous payments that a person may have had. Importantly, there will be support from community partners for applications to make sure that the scheme is simple and trauma-informed. I know that Members across the House will warmly welcome all of that.”
“My message to those individuals is simple: your voice is important; your voice matters; and your experience matters. Your contribution could help provide answers not only for you but for the countless others whose lives were impacted on by those institutions. Every testimony, family experience, record and piece of evidence has the potential to deepen our understanding of life in a mother-and-baby-home, a Magdalene laundry or a workhouse. The testimonies will help create a fuller and more accurate account of a chapter in history that has yet to be fully written. <BR /> <BR />I now move to the second key element of the Bill. The redress scheme is unlike any other. It will give financial redress to victims and survivors before the completion and delivery of the findings of the inquiry.”
“<BR /> <BR />For some, the prospect of engaging with the inquiry may feel daunting. For that reason, we listened to victims and survivors when they told us that they wanted us to create a dual investigation, so that individuals had the option to engage with an expert independent panel and provide testimony in a different and more informal setting. The process is now complete, and we very much look forward to the launch of the independent panel's report next week, on 7 July. To those of you who may be doubtful and question whether they should engage in the statutory inquiry that the Bill will establish I say this: please consider it carefully. We understand that some may question whether revisiting painful memories is worthwhile, and others may wonder whether one person's account can truly make a difference.”
“For them, what matters is knowing that there will finally be an independent process dedicated to hearing their voices that is designed not to dismiss difficult experiences but to examine them. A process that recognises that personal testimony is not simply evidence but an essential part of understanding our history. That is why victims and survivors have been so integral to the development of the arrangements. It is why the legislation contains provisions intended to make sure that their perspectives must remain core to the work of the inquiry, and it is why we have sought to build a framework that is capable of operating in a manner that is respectful, compassionate and mindful of the trauma that many women and girls and their now-adult children continue to carry.”
“It is only by addressing the truths hidden in dark shadows that we can begin to properly shine a light on a society that continues to violate and oppress too many women and girls and to make sure that it never happens again and that, together, we commit to breaking the cycle of harm and violence against women and girls. <BR /> <BR />The inquiry that will be established by the Bill will seek to uncover facts, examine evidence, hear testimony and build the fullest possible understanding of what happened to those young women and girls and their children in those institutions. It will uncover and better understand the pathways and practices that led women and children into and out of the institutions. For many survivors, however, the significance of the inquiry goes beyond its legal powers or investigative functions.”
“<BR /> <BR />For too many years, the lives of too many of those women and girls and their children, who are now adults, were scarred by their experiences in the institutions, and those scars and wounds only deepened with time. Trauma is sometimes buried so deeply that only the truth can begin to diminish its hold. There is a shameful and ugly truth that we all must confront: it was not just the institutions and the state that played such a harmful role in the lives of many of the victims and survivors; society also failed so many women and girls, as it collectively turned a blind eye to the misogyny, sexism and heartbreaking lack of humanity.”
“Throughout the passage of the legislation, Members have rightly focused on clauses, amendments and schedules, and those things are important, because they will help make sure that the inquiry that is established is robust, independent and capable of delivering meaningful findings. However, the legislation is ultimately about people. It is about women and girls whose lives were shaped by powerful systems and institutions that exercised profound power over them; it is about women and girls who have lived for decades with unanswered questions; and it is about women and girls who have often felt that their experiences were silenced, overlooked or simply forgotten.”
“As well as thanking every one of the victims and survivors who have contributed, I take the opportunity to also thank the Members of the House past and present and, in particular, the Committee Chair and Committee members, who worked so diligently and carefully to study and examine the Bill, to listen to victims and survivors and to bring to the House amendments to potentially improve the Bill. The House listened carefully and made final decisions to the best of its ability, given the many factors to balance. I think that we can agree that what we now have is a Bill that meets the needs of victims and survivors and is fit for purpose. <BR /> <BR />The Bill in front of us has largely been informed and shaped by the voices, efforts and experiences of victims and survivors, and I publicly acknowledge and thank them for their efforts.”
“Today, as we mark this momentous step closer to the establishment of an inquiry, I hope that many victims and survivors will feel able to take in this moment and to look around and congratulate themselves for all their hard work, relentless efforts and campaigning that helped us to get to where we are today. <BR /> <BR />Indeed, it has been a collective effort, involving countless hours of deliberation, consultation, meetings, debates and decisions.”
“I hope that it now respects and fulfils the wishes of the women and girls who, for many decades, have suffered and been silenced. <BR /> <BR />It is a large, complex and sensitive piece of legislation. It is, no doubt, much more complex legislation than it first appeared, and there were many factors to balance. In our view, it is one of the most significant Bills that the Assembly will pass in this mandate, establishing, as it will, a statutory inquiry for those affected by mother-and-baby institutions, Magdalene laundries and workhouses and a redress scheme. The Bill, as a whole, is estimated to cost £118 million, and it will provide redress to many thousands of individuals. That represents a significant commitment from the Executive to deliver on the agreed recommendations from the truth recovery design panel.”
“Dealing with that injustice was core to the approach of the Bill. <BR /> <BR />Before concluding deliberations on the Bill, I will bring our focus back to the women and children — now adults — their families and all survivors whose experiences have brought us to this point. I join junior Minister Bunting in reiterating my thanks to every one of those people, without whom we would, no doubt, not be where we are today. I thank you for your courage, tenacity and dedication and for the generosity that you have shown not just in giving your time but in sharing your experiences, which, I know, can evoke complex and difficult emotions for so many. <BR /> <BR />On a personal note, I want to say how much of a privilege it has been for me to lead on the legislation's passage through the House on behalf of the Executive Office.”
“At the outset, like other Members, I welcome and pay tribute to all of you in the Public Gallery. Many of you have travelled in order to be here throughout the Bill's stages. I also mention those who cannot be here in person but who are watching online, and, of course, I make special mention of those who are no longer with us. Today is a hugely significant day for all victims and survivors, and it is only right and proper that we mark it as the significant milestone that it undoubtedly is. Today belongs to you. <BR /> <BR />Just over 12 months ago, when introducing the Bill to establish an inquiry into mother-and-baby institutions, Magdalene laundries and workhouses and an associated redress scheme, the First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, said:”
“I finish by paying tribute to Ciarla's mummy and daddy, their entire family and everyone who has supported or contributed to her campaign. Most important, I pay a huge tribute to Ciarla herself, who continues with such determination every day just so that she can walk by herself.”
“Like too many families, Ciarla's parents have had to travel outside Ireland to access that specialist treatment. Alongside the emotional strain comes the financial pressure of therapy costs, travel, accommodation and time away from home and family life. Families should not have to fundraise simply to give their child the best possible chance. We also have a responsibility here to ask what more we can do so that families are not forced to leave home or shoulder enormous financial burdens to access life-changing therapies for their children such as Ciarla. <BR /> <BR />Ciarla has captured the hearts of so many people, who have come together to stand behind one little girl and one little family, helping them to continue along that journey.”
“What stands out most about Ciarla is the determination that she shows every day. She has undergone specialist physiotherapy that has already transformed her strength, confidence and movement. She has completed two intensive therapy programmes and is currently in London going through another extensive round of treatment. With the right support, she has every opportunity to keep progressing. Her dream is simple: she just wants to be able to walk by herself, unaided.”
“I want to speak about a remarkable little four-year-old girl from my West Belfast constituency called Ciarla Herron. Ciarla is a bright, happy and determined wee girl whom I recently had the opportunity to meet at one of her fundraisers. Like any four-year-old, she just wants to play with her friends and siblings. She wants to learn and do everything that comes with being a child of four years old. <BR /> <BR />Ciarla was born with a rare form of cerebral palsy that is commonly known as "bilateral cerebral palsy". She uses a Kaye walker, a wheelchair and, sometimes, crutches day by day because she cannot walk or stand unaided. She tires easily and lives with pain in her wee limbs, but she meets every day with courage, resilience and a smile that inspires everyone around her.”
“There is still a lot of work to be done, and the finishing touches need to be worked through, but I look forward to seeing Belfast welcome musicians, performers, families and visitors from near and far for a celebration of music, culture and community in our city of Béal Feirste”
“The fleadh is a celebration of our musical traditions and our cultural heritage. It is about bringing people together through music, language, dance and community spirit. It is also about the opportunities. It is an opportunity to showcase Belfast on the international stage. It will support local businesses, boost our hospitality and tourism sectors and bring benefits to communities across the city. From local traders and family-run businesses to cultural venues and visitor attractions, the positive impact will be felt throughout the entirety of Belfast. Most important, the fleadh will give us the chance to tell a positive story about our city: a city that is confident, welcoming and proud of its heritage.”
“Whether visitors find themselves in north, south, east or west Belfast, they will experience the warmth, creativity and hospitality for which our city is renowned. Beidh fáilte mhór roimh gach uile dhuine.”
“and others, will be at the formal media launch of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast. That marks another significant step as we enter the final stretch of preparations for what will be one of the biggest cultural events ever hosted in our city. The countdown is well and truly on, and a real buzz is building across Belfast. <BR /> <BR />Over the past number of years, communities, volunteers, musicians, businesses, Belfast City Council and organisations have worked closely together, and their commitment and enthusiasm have laid the foundations for what promises to be a truly memorable Fleadh Cheoil. Belfast is ready to welcome visitors from every corner of Ireland and much further afield. We are ready to showcase the very best of our city and the people who make it so special.”
“Today, the Minister for Infrastructure and the Minister for the Economy, alongside our ardmhéara”
“For that reason, we request that the Assembly agree to the suspension of Standing Order 39(2) in order to facilitate the Bill's completing its passage before the summer recess. There will, of course, be an opportunity for the Assembly to discuss in full issues relating to the Bill at its upcoming Final Stage, if the motion is agreed today. Hopefully, we will debate that on Tuesday 30 June.”
“We appreciate your assistance with progressing the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill. Standing Order 39(2) requires:”
“Our focus has always been on making sure that the Bill is in the best possible shape, and we remain committed to that objective. <BR /> <BR />This group of amendments is more on the technical side, as I mentioned, and there is another group to come, but Final Stage will be our opportunity to reflect on the full significance of the legislation and to acknowledge all those who have helped us get to this stage. I very much welcome our getting to Final Stage, although I know that we have another group of amendments to go. That concludes my remarks on group 1. I ask everyone to support the amendments in group 1. Thank you.”
“I thank the Member for that intervention. That further highlights the entire process of the passage of the legislation, and it further highlights the importance of Committee Stage in particular, when there is the opportunity for the gathering of evidence and for victims and survivors to come in and share their lived experience. That is important, particularly when we are going through legislation. We can talk about legislation, Bills and policy — sometimes it is words on paper — but we have to get the lived experiences of the victims and survivors who have gone through it. That is why we have sought to listen at every opportunity throughout the passage of the Bill. We want to get it right. We want to get it right for all the victims and survivors who have suffered immeasurably.”
“We have retained that element, but the consideration of "the public interest" is a matter for Ministers rather than the chair. In clause 20, the chair already has broad scope to report fully and independently, and, under clause 20(4)(a), is required to consider the extent to which withholding material might inhibit the allaying of public concern. I hope that that addresses the Member's concerns. If there is anything outside of that, I am happy to follow it up with him. <BR /> <BR />I reiterate that, as Ministers, we have sought to listen carefully throughout the Bill's passage, recognising the importance of getting it right.”
“I thank all Members for their contributions to the debate. I know that it was quick and that this is a technical tidy-up, but I thank everyone for the work that has been going on over the past couple of weeks to get us to this point. <BR /> <BR />As we conclude the debate on the first group of amendments at Further Consideration Stage, I ask Members to support all eight amendments. Everyone who has spoken has indicated that they will. The purpose of the amendments is to make sure that the Bill is as strong and effective as possible. <BR /> <BR />I will pick up on some of Gerry's comments. He talked about amendment No 8. I reiterate that we are fully committed to the transparency of the inquiry. It is recognised that the intent of the previous amendment was to promote transparency.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“<BR /> <BR />That concludes my remarks on the supporting amendments that the Department tabled in group 1. I hope that Members will support the amendments, but, as I have said, I will listen to their contributions and reflect on them in my closing comments.”
“For example, the information may relate to ongoing court proceedings or may identify a whistle-blower, a victim or a survivor. Our amendment therefore provides an element of discretion to the chairperson in that respect. <BR /> <BR />I now turn to amendment Nos 7 and 8, which are to clause 20. Amendment No 7 is a technical amendment that will ensure clarity in clause 20 so that it flows. Amendment No 8 aims to maintain Mr Carroll's policy intent and provide consistent terminology throughout the Bill, while also recognising that the determination of public interest is an Executive function and not that of an inquiry chairperson. Clause 20, if amended, will ensure that the inquiry chairperson has considerable scope to publish reports in full, including within the two-week period, if considered necessary or appropriate.”
“Those amendments have been tabled in order to make sure that there is clarity and consistency in the wording throughout the Bill. They are minor in nature, and I ask the House to support them. <BR /> <BR />Amendment Nos 4 and 5 relate to clause 17 and cross-jurisdictional matters. The Department has tabled two amendments, which maintain policy intent but better align the language with other parts of the Bill in order to, again, ensure consistency. <BR /> <BR />I turn to amendment No 6, which also relates to clause 17. The Department appreciates the policy intent, and we want to ensure transparency around reporting where evidence that was sought by the inquiry has not been forthcoming. There may, however, be instances where the inquiry must have some discretion around the naming of information requested but not received.”
“I particularly thank Gerry Carroll and the Committee for the Executive Office for their engagement with the Department and our officials over the past few weeks. <BR /> <BR />Collectively, we have been able to refine several of the amendments that were made at Consideration Stage on the public inquiry, which I will now speak to. Eight amendments have been tabled in the inquiry group. Members may wish to make comments and highlight concerns. I will listen to their contributions, and I hope to pick those up and address them in my closing remarks. <BR /> <BR />I will take amendment Nos 1 to 3 together. They relate to the amendment that was made at Consideration Stage to clause 5, regarding the composition of the inquiry panel.”
“At the outset of my remarks, I acknowledge and welcome some victims and survivors who are with us in the Public Gallery. They have sat through every stage of the Bill, and, again, they have travelled from far and wide to be with us for the Bill's Further Consideration Stage. I welcome the victims and survivors who, again, have made the journey to be with us. <BR /> <BR />As we begin Further Consideration Stage of the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill, with the amendments that were made at Consideration Stage now forming part of the Bill, I thank Members for their engagement with the legislation throughout the process.”
“Above all, today and every day, our thoughts remain with the Springhill families and all the families who have fought and are still fighting to get truth and justice. They have my utmost respect, and I acknowledge the determination that brought them to this moment. Their perseverance, dignity and courage made sure that the truth prevailed.”
“Their determination made sure that the truth endured despite decades of obstacles and delay. <BR /> <BR />We have seen similar acknowledgements before. Following the Saville inquiry, the British Government apologised for Bloody Sunday, and, following the Ballymurphy inquest findings, an apology was issued to the families. Those moments mattered because they represented official recognition of wrongdoing and vindicated families who had spent years seeking the truth. The Springhill acknowledgement is significant for the same reasons. It establishes a record that cannot be denied or rewritten. It reinforces the principles that no state actor should be beyond scrutiny; that everyone must be accountable under the law; and that everyone deserves equal respect and treatment.”
“That acknowledgement matters. <BR /> <BR />Springhill cannot be viewed in isolation. It forms part of a wider period in our history that left deep and lasting scars across many communities. The actions of the British state forces in places such as Derry, Ballymurphy, Springhill and the New Lodge caused immense suffering and had profound consequences for generations of families. For many, the hurt was compounded by what came afterwards. Efforts to deny, justify or obscure the truth deepened the trauma and left families facing years of struggle simply to have the facts recognised, but those families never gave up.”
“The apology issued last week by the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, to the families of those killed in the Springhill massacre was an important but long overdue acknowledgement of what happened on the streets of Springhill and Westrock in west Belfast in July 1972. For more than 50 years, the families of Father Noel Fitzpatrick, Patrick Butler, John Dougal, David McCafferty and Margaret Gargan have carried the pain of unimaginable loss while also having to fight for truth and justice. The findings of the Springhill inquest, and the apology that followed, confirmed what the families always knew: their loved ones were innocent and should not have been targeted. In apologising, the British Prime Minister accepted the findings of the inquest and expressed regret for the grief and trauma that were endured by the families.”
“We remain fully committed to working with communities and local organisations to build on the progress that has been made in order to make sure that, as I have said, people continue to get the support and opportunities that they deserve.”
“As I said, the CIT programme came about in 2016. A refreshed approach was taken on the basis of the evidence. The same eight areas came up when the refresh was done. I go back to the point that a real difference has been made, particularly in areas that have faced social and economic challenges as well as the ongoing impact of paramilitarism.”
“We have to give hope, open up opportunities and support people to realise their potential so that they can have a chance to thrive.”
“I thank the Member for his question. CIT came about in 2016, and the Executive Office has taken a refreshed approach. The Member is right to say that communities have changed greatly in recent years, particularly in the 28 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. Many people have worked extremely hard to move forward, build safer areas, create opportunities for young people and give families hope for a better future. There is real strength and resilience in our communities, and that progress should never be underestimated. That is why we need to keep investing in programmes such as CIT. We have to keep working directly with communities, local leaders and grassroots organisations, and we have to support them.”
“Do we still have more to do? Absolutely, but we are travelling along the path. The CIT programme has shown that, with the right partnerships and the right community-led approaches, we can make progress.”
“I thank the Member for her question. It is fair and true to say that there has been important progress to date, particularly in CIT. It has evolved. As I mentioned, the programme is moving from the thematic approach to focus more on the real issues that affect people in our communities every day. They include growing challenges around mental health; addiction; exploitation, including criminal, sexual and financial exploitation, and its impact on our young people; and the continuing influence of paramilitarism on the physical and social landscape of our communities. <BR /> <BR />We have to adapt our response to the legacy and ongoing impact of the conflict. For me, that means recognising and addressing the real issues of mental health, addiction and intergenerational trauma that continue to affect families and communities across the North.”
“I thank the Member for that question. Discussions are taking place on funding for CIT, which will be linked to the next stage of planning discussions for the Executive programme on paramilitarism and organised crime (EPPOC). Discussions are ongoing at official level on a future programme. That will have to go to the Executive for approval, but I will, of course, update the Assembly on it at the appropriate time.”