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.”
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“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Chomhalta as a fhreagra.”
“We remain committed to building a peaceful and inclusive shared future for all.”
“The issues around cultural expression are some of the most challenging that we as a society face here. The Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition (FICT) considered those issues and made a number of recommendations relating to bonfires. They have been considered as part of the review of the Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) strategy that we are actively working through with officials. <BR /> <BR />We recognise and understand the potential for bonfires to have environmental implications, alongside health and safety concerns, and we know that bonfires can be used to display offensive messages, flags, effigies and other materials that cause offence. We want to be very clear that there is no room for sectarian or racial intolerance towards individuals and acts of intimidation have no place in our society.”
“As junior Minister Cameron said at the outset, we look forward to working with the Committee, including its Chair and Deputy Chair, on refining this important Bill and, ultimately, empowering those who have been affected to achieve truth, acknowledgement and accountability. Our officials will be on hand to help and support the Committee in its work of scrutinising the Bill. <BR /> <BR />I commend the Bill to the House.”
“Together, we will make sure that the lessons learned from that dark chapter light the path towards a more just and equitable future for all. <BR /> <BR />Finally, we again thank the victims and survivors, who have been on this journey for so long. We see you, we hear you and we are with you. We also thank our officials — Martin, Michaela and Pauline and their team — for their time, effort and dedication in supporting the progression of this work. I say to Mr Dickson that the First Minister and deputy First Minister have tasked us with taking this legislation forward, and I can assure you that they are as committed to this really important legislation as we are. On their behalf and that of the Executive Office and the Assembly, we will do our utmost with it.”
“We will learn lessons from the investigation that the legislation will establish — lessons that we can take forward to make the lives of women and girls as equitable and dignified as they deserve to be. <BR /> <BR />We will continue to strive to make sure that the voices of victims and survivors are heard and respected in the creation of policies that affect their lives. As we move forward, let us work together to weave a tapestry of hope and resilience from the threads of our shared history. To all those who have suffered, I say that today is another step towards acknowledging and mending the scars of our past. We stand in solidarity with you, the victims and survivors, as we seek to face the wounds of the past.”
“They have shown that it is possible to shine a light on the wrongdoings of the past and not only begin to hold those responsible accountable but, with that, help to recalibrate society's attitudes. <BR /> <BR />I, again, thank Members for engaging so thoughtfully and constructively in the debate on the general principles of this significant Bill. Again, we recognise that the Bill is not everything, but it is a significant step forward in the process of achieving truth, acknowledgement and accountability. The inquiry that it will bring about will help us to collectively acknowledge our past and work towards building a future based on compassion, accountability and protecting the rights of others.”
“<BR /> <BR />The days of society's expression of violence against women and girls have not gone away — far from it. It persists in many forms: in our relationships; our homes; our workplaces; our communities; our society. We need to end society's tendency to blame women and girls. We need to ensure that they are not made to carry the blame and undeserved shame that is still experienced too often by too many. We need to show the support and compassion that is needed and deserved — the same support and compassion that was so markedly and conspicuously absent from the lives of the victims and survivors. We owe a debt of gratitude to the victims and survivors, for they have shown perseverance, a sense of justice and courage.”
“<BR /> <BR />An important outworking of any acknowledgement and apology is the awareness and learning that emanates from it. It should help build upon a legacy that should lead to a brighter future. We must learn the lessons of the past to make sure that they are never repeated. We know, only too well, that the legacies of such failings continue to be endured by victims and survivors. That includes the state and societal structures that were a symptom of a pervasive distrust of women. We must continue to ask ourselves how that misogyny presents itself today, and what can be done to address it. The acts experienced were, at their core, gender-based discrimination against women and girls and, by extension, acts of violence and crime against women and girls.”
“<BR /> <BR />Importantly, recording testimonies from those directly affected, on behalf of those who are no longer with us, helps establish the truth, which is fundamental to proper redress, and, of course, acknowledgement and an apology for all those affected are essential to delivering redress. That is what the Bill and the truth recovery programme of work seek to deliver. In time, we look forward to working closely with victims and survivors to develop and deliver a fulsome and formal apology — one that can draw on all the evidence that the public inquiry will uncover. That apology will acknowledge and recognise all those who have suffered. The apology will be developed alongside victims and survivors to make sure that it conveys the messages that they need and want to hear. They deserve nothing less.”
“We are grateful to the victims and survivors who engaged with the Department of Health to develop the adoption practice guidance to help improve access to records. Since publication of the guidance in November 2023, the Department of Health has rolled out specialised training for adoption teams. Recent feedback from victims, survivors and post-adoption teams has been positive. That demonstrates that although there is, undoubtedly, room for improvements, significant progress has been made, as the process and outcomes have much improved. The inquiry will consider access to records and efforts to enhance that.”
“<BR /> <BR />We recognise that accessing records has caused significant distress and frustration for victims and survivors. Significant work has been undertaken to help improve that issue. It goes without saying that full access to adoption records is crucial for adopted children who are now adults, as they will provide vital information about their origins, identity and history, all of which can make a significant, positive impact on a person's sense of self and well-being. Understanding the circumstances of their adoption, creating the potential to connect with biological family members and accessing as much information as possible about medical and family history are of the utmost importance. Finding answers to those fundamental questions is a fundamental part of redress.”
“All those affected are equally deserving of truth, justice and redress, and we want to encourage everyone affected to come forward to take part in the next stage of the process. <BR /> <BR />Linda and Paula made comments about the need to recognise the victims and survivors who have passed away. We have heard it expressed that the Bill does not acknowledge victims and survivors who have, sadly, passed away. That is not the case. Our focus is on ensuring that the legislation acknowledges the suffering of all victims and survivors. The truth recovery design panel has expressed that redress takes many forms, including the ongoing dedicated and bespoke support for victims and survivors. That is an important form of redress.”
“As Members will also be aware, a private Member's Bill to introduce Philomena's law was recently introduced in Westminster, which, if passed, aims to ensure that many survivors living in Britain who have been deterred from making an application to the payment scheme that is operated by the Irish Government will achieve the same benefit disregards that relate to the standardised payment scheme that our Bill will provide. That is a good example of where we have been able to take advantage of lessons learned in previous redress schemes. <BR /> <BR />We appreciate that the shame and stigma that is felt by so many of those who are affected makes it hard, even to this day, for them to come forward.”
“It hopefully underlines the importance of shining a light on the experiences of people from all backgrounds. <BR /> <BR />Of course, the undeserved shaming and blaming of women and girls, unfortunately, was not unique to this place. It also impacted on all parts of these islands. We know from evidence that many institutions operated on an all-island basis, with the cross-border movement of women and girls and their children. That was highlighted in the truth recovery design panel's report. It is an area that the public inquiry that the Bill will establish will undoubtedly investigate. <BR /> <BR />We know, too, that those practices were part of society in England, Wales, Scotland and further afield. Indeed, many young women from here found themselves across the water with the unedifying official label of "PFI" — pregnant from Ireland.”
“As we all know only too well, as with so many aspects of our past, there has, regrettably, been a tendency for people to be divided from one another. In many cases, it was no different for those women and girls. Let me take you back in time. On the Antrim Road, adjacent to the Waterworks end, we had the Mater Dei mother-and-baby institution, which closed its doors in 1984. In its time, it saw approximately 1,400 admissions. Less than a 15-minute walk away, we had the Salvation Army's Thorndale House mother-and-baby institution, which closed its doors in 1977 and had over 2,000 admissions during its lifespan. That example brings to light that the experience affected women and girls and their children, who are now adults, from right across society.”
“Gender discrimination, which permeated societal attitudes, not only underscored but helped to perpetuate the shame and stigma that ran so deeply across our society. Evidence shows that those practices were not limited by religious belief, culture or class. Of course, while, in many ways, those institutions and practices embodied the worst of that, it was not a characteristic that was unique to those places, rather its effects were also felt much more universally in our homes, villages, towns and cities right across these islands and internationally. <BR /> <BR />It is important for us to do everything that we can to encourage all victims and survivors to come forward to be a part of the inquiry and redress scheme.”
“I will touch on Milltown cemetery. I agree. Again, as I said, we will explore all the options that are available to us. <BR /> <BR />Separately, and in addition to that, on Milltown cemetery specifically, officials have been engaging with the Department for Communities and the diocese of Down and Connor to establish the facts where they can. That includes continuing to monitor the situation with regard to the archeological excavations that took place under licence granted by the Department for Communities. We know that further engagement is planned on that important issue. Ministers and officials would be happy to meet the Member on that issue. <BR /> <BR />That period of our past has had a devastating impact across all of our society and people on these islands more generally. We need to reach out to everyone who was affected.”
“A complicating factor here is that existing burial grounds legislation, which is the responsibility of the Department for Communities, relates only to council cemeteries and does not cover private graveyards. However, the Bill, as it stands, provides the inquiry chairperson with the ability to commission geophysical surveys with the consent of the landowner. That said, we absolutely recognise that there are limitations in the Bill insofar that further powers would be needed to enable the chairperson to enter potential burial grounds and conduct surveys if the landowner refused permission. Again, we are exploring all options that are available to us. <BR /> <BR />Separately —.”
“Furthermore, the power to compel provided by the Bill will require a person to give evidence or produce documents, such as death and burial records. That will help establish the evidence base regarding sites of inappropriate burials — for example, unmarked graves — and, linked to that, infant mortality. Of course, if there is a specific concern, any evidence will be brought to the PSNI for it to investigate all potential allegations of criminality.”
“<BR /> <BR />As junior Minister Cameron said, for precedence, we have looked at where other schemes around the world have made contributions compulsory by putting them on a statutory footing. So far, we have been unable to find any. It is a difficult legal issue, but let me again assure the House that we are open to looking into and finding effective solutions. <BR /> <BR />Nuala and Carál raised the important and sensitive issue of burial sites and infant mortality. Those issues have caused untold distress, and it remains our desire to do what we can to help those searching for answers. The Bill will contain powers equivalent to those of the Inquiries Act 2005 that will allow the inquiry to determine whether there were systemic failings in the practice of recording deaths and burials.”
“We note the disappointment at the lack of adequate and meaningful contributions that the Irish Government received, with only one out of nine institutions making a material contribution. It should also be noted that some of the organisations that ran mother-and-baby institutions no longer exist. <BR /> <BR />The second individually assessed payment scheme, which, to be clear, requires future separate legislation, will be a harm-based scheme. Where deemed appropriate, that is the scheme under which institutions will most definitely be pursued for adequate and meaningful contributions. As Members will know and as some touched on, other similar financial redress situations involved a process of mediation, negotiation and arbitration. All those options remain open.”
“Ministers have been engaging with Treasury and the Secretary of State on the matter and will continue to press the Government to step up to the plate. Albeit that no agreement has been reached to date, the process remains ongoing. <BR /> <BR />The same commitment applies to the institutions. We hope that adequate and meaningful arrangements can be put in place. However, that has proved not to be as straightforward as it might first appear, not least as the standardised payment will be paid on a no-harm basis and, crucially, will be paid before a public inquiry has concluded and reached its findings on where responsibility lies. As a result, some institutions may be unlikely to contribute to the first part of the scheme.”
“We recognise that the issue is equally if not more important to victims and survivors than it is to Members, not least because it would demonstrate a tangible recognition from those institutions of the harm that was caused and, to some, a more meaningful form of accountability than words alone can provide. <BR /> <BR />I note Carál's important contribution about ensuring that institutions are held to account in a public inquiry and cannot hide behind closed doors. Let me assure the House that Ministers also regard that as an important part of the process. It has been and remains under consideration. We are committed to obtaining financial contributions from the bodies and institutions responsible for those historical wrongs. That includes the British Government for their responsibility during periods of direct rule.”
“They ranged from some requesting that there be no posthumous scheme at all, given the sensitive nature of the issue and the related and understandable fears about privacy issues, to requests that the scheme be extended back to 1922. Suffice to say that, for now, it is important that victims and survivors take the opportunity to provide their views to the Committee in due course. It will be an ongoing matter of consideration for us, the Committee and the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Chair, Nuala, Sinéad and Brian for their comments about the important issue of adequate and meaningful contributions from the institutions that may be deemed responsible.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is important for us to balance the standardised payment scheme with the individually assessed payment scheme that is to come in addition to the wide range of considerations at play. Following the consultation responses, the original proposal was positively amended to be more inclusive. To clarify again, the clause now includes all eligible family members, which, in practice, means the surviving spouse or partner and all the surviving children, including a person who was adopted into another family. All those people will be able to make an independent application for posthumous payments for those eligible now-deceased birth mothers. <BR /> <BR />Members should be aware that the consultation responses that were received on that aspect of the Bill were as strongly held as they were diverse.”
“<BR /> <BR />I thank all the Members who contributed their questions and concerns on the issue of posthumous payments in clause 31. That is one of the most sensitive and difficult areas of the Bill; indeed, Ministers have heard at first hand the disappointment that it has caused many victims and survivors. I do not want to repeat what junior Minister Cameron said about that aspect of the Bill, as she provided a fulsome explanation of the relevant clause. She has also talked about comparable schemes and helpfully explained the thought processes and challenges faced in arriving at the decision before us. While it is, admittedly, imperfect, we hoped that it would feel like a reasonably fair solution to a really complex issue.”
“I do not have that information in front of me, Gerry, but we will clarify that and write to you as soon as we can to clear that up. <BR /> <BR />Our proposed redress scheme is based purely on admittance with no minimum time period; in fact, some children who are now adults who were never in an institution will also be eligible. In many ways, that is the second redress payment and will be known as the "individually assessed payment". It will be based on the specific harm that a victim or survivor suffered, and it is likely to be the more substantial of the two redress payments. That, however, cannot be made until the inquiry has made its findings. As junior Minister Cameron said, the proposed individually assessed payment will follow in separate legislation.”
“This scheme will not replicate the Southern scheme, from which the overwhelming majority of adopted children who are now adults were excluded unless they had been in an institution for more than six months.”
“It is also important to note that it is the first of two redress payments for which victims and survivors may be eligible. <BR /> <BR />To take a step back, the truth recovery design panel considered financial redress with a view to learning lessons from the other redress schemes. It ultimately recommended that there be two payment schemes. The first, an admission-based payment, is different from that in many other schemes, such as the historical institutional abuse redress scheme, which was a harm-based scheme. There was also a strong desire to avoid victims and survivors having to wait many years to receive any financial redress, as is necessarily the case with harm-based redress schemes.”
“To that end, let me inform Members where the Department is on the establishment of the redress service. The Department will maximise the existing mechanisms, structures and frameworks of the current redress service so that there are no unnecessary time delays in the establishment of such a service. I also thank the Justice Minister for her personal support on that matter. Subject to legislative passage, we expect the first payments to be made next year, in 2026. <BR /> <BR />I thank Members for their comments about the standardised payment of £10,000. No amount of money could ever compensate for the pain, trauma and, in many cases, loss experienced by victims and survivors. First and foremost, it is an acknowledgement payment that is based on admittance and the associated shame and stigma that that brought with it.”
“That has meant that, on many of the issues, it has been difficult to find a perfect landing spot. Importantly, though, we are in listening mode, and it is incumbent on all of us to aim for the best possible Bill. <BR /> <BR />I thank Members for their comments on the timing of the first redress payments. The scheme will enable acknowledgement payments to be made, so it will achieve the goal of getting some financial redress to a large number of people as soon as possible. I reassure Members that significant work is ongoing in the background to make sure that, as soon as the requisite legislation has been passed, there will be no undue delay in getting the redress service up and running. That is imperative, as we know that victims and survivors have waited more than long enough, particularly given the age profile of so many of them.”
“We also welcome the positive feedback from some victims and survivors and the recognition that the legislation has been carefully and methodically developed and has many positive elements. We are pleased that many of those who have had an opportunity to consider the Bill recognise that the proposals are flexible enough to provide for an inquiry that will be driven by the independent inquiry chairperson and the fact that that will leave the door open for them to examine the facts and go where the evidence takes them. We hope that that approach will mean that the inquiry is as inclusive as the chairperson deems necessary and appropriate. I am sure that, as the Bill works its way through the legislative process, it will become increasingly clear to all just how complex the considerations have been.”
“I thank the Member for her intervention. Throughout the process, we will work with everybody, including the Committee, you, as Chair, and the Deputy Chair. This is very much a draft Bill, and, along with officials, we will work with the Committee and other Members to ensure that what comes out the other end of the process is absolutely what people want to see.”
“I also listened carefully earlier to Members reiterate some of that disappointment. I say again to those Members and to the victims and survivors who are listening today that this is a draft Bill. It is exactly that: a draft. It is very much a work in progress.”
“That is why it is important that the public inquiry that the Bill will establish be an independent inquiry that can examine and consider the facts and provide an objective, supported and fair approach for all involved. The evidence uncovered to date tells us that there continue to be many unanswered questions to which the inquiry will seek answers. We look forward to the truth being unearthed and to those who are deemed responsible being held accountable. <BR /> <BR />As junior Minister Cameron recognised, we are acutely aware that some victims and survivors feel disappointed by parts of the draft Bill before us today. When we met victims and survivors with the First Minister and the deputy First Minister last week, some made their disappointment clear, and we have heard their concerns.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am sure that I speak for everyone in the Chamber when I express deep regret that, as politicians and legislators, we were not able to reach this stage much sooner. I also acknowledge, however, the many current and past Members of the House who have actively supported the process over the years. <BR /> <BR />As with any process, the Bill has its limitations, but we are confident that it marks a significant step forward in getting to the truth and supporting those affected. We do not yet know the full extent of the pain and suffering experienced, nor do we know the full nature of the involvement of those ultimately responsible. While we know a lot, we cannot rush to a final judgement.”
“It has been mentioned here on several occasions that this is the beginning, and, while that is true of the legislative process, it is certainly not the case for victims and survivors, who have endured years of campaigning, pain and heartache, and there is still a road to go. <BR /> <BR />The institutions and their practices were a product of systemic misogyny. The regime inflicted on women and girls, many heavily pregnant, was appalling and constituted cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment. Today, we also acknowledge that it was not only those women who had their rights grossly denied in the institutions but their children, who are now adults. They were failed on every level.”
“I thank Members for their important contributions to the debate. I hope to touch on all the points that have been raised, but, first, I want to recognise the victims and survivors and their families who were affected by what went on in a shameful part of our past. Before we came back into the Chamber this afternoon, we had an opportunity to meet the victims and survivors in the Public Gallery. I thank you for being here. I know that it will be the first of many meetings that we will have with you as we go forward. I acknowledge you and thank you for your time. <BR /> <BR />While unable to atone for the suffering of victims and survivors, we hope that the legislation is a significant milestone on their journey towards truth and accountability.”
“The Department has received legal advice that it would be illegal for the Minister to withdraw approval retrospectively for the seven new licences or to put in place a moratorium on considering the granting of any new mineral prospecting licences. The Minister's Department will continue to monitor the work of the licensees and ensure compliance with the regulatory framework. Officials will push ahead with the review of the minerals regime, and the Minister looks forward to consulting Members and the public throughout the review. In the meantime, the Department is legally required to treat any new applications for mineral prospecting licences in line with the existing legislation.”
“It is also important to note that licences are assessed by officials in the Department for the Economy, not approved by the Minister for the Economy, and that it is a quasi-legal process. It should also be noted that the Department produced a comprehensive report in response to the issues that were raised during the consultation. That report is available on the Department's website. The review of the minerals regime is therefore progressing, but it is a significant piece of work, and, in the meantime, the existing legislation must be complied with. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, it should be noted that mineral prospecting licences have been in place for many years, with no evidence of any environmental issues.”
“It will, however, take a number of years to complete the research and the necessary environmental assessments, develop a new policy, carry out a full public consultation and draft and enact the legislation. The legal advice provided to the Department for the Economy confirms that, because it will be a number of years before a new legislative framework is in place, it would be illegal to put a moratorium in place.”
“When the former Economy Minister took up office, his intention was to implement a moratorium while the review took place.”
“While the Department is pushing to increase the reuse of minerals, that, in itself, will not meet the needs of the green transition. <BR /> <BR />It is important that the licensing framework for minerals provide the highest level of environmental protection. That is why a comprehensive review of the existing mineral regime is under way. As part of that review, the Department for the Economy issued a tender last week for the required strategic environmental assessment and habitats regulations assessment. In addition, a call for evidence will take place in the autumn. The review will also be informed by developments in the EU and in Britain. <BR /> <BR />The motion calls for the withdrawal of the seven new mineral prospecting licences that the Department for the Economy granted on 8 May 2025. It also calls for:”
“<BR /> <BR />Our climate change targets will be achieved only if we transition our energy production away from burning fossil fuels to greener renewable sources. That transition requires minerals. For example, a typical electric car requires six times more mineral inputs than a conventional car. <BR /> <BR />Recycling is an important component in increasing supply. The Department for the Economy is working with a number of local companies that are major players in the field: for example, Ionic Technologies, based in Belfast, is fast becoming a world leader in the recycling of rare earth minerals from used magnets. As well as the work on recycling, the Department supports many circular economy policies aimed at reducing mineral inputs and addressing issues with product life cycles.”
“I welcome the opportunity to respond to the motion on behalf of Minister Archibald. <BR /> <BR />The legal framework for mineral prospecting licences is contained in the Mineral Development Act 1969. It is important to note and to be clear that the Act does not cover precious metals. As has been mentioned here before, gold and silver are reserved matters and come under the control of the Crown Estate. Members should therefore be aware that the debate has nothing to do with gold exploration; instead, it concerns minerals such as zinc, copper, aluminium, lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and graphite. Those minerals are vital for renewable technologies, including wind turbines and electricity networks.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“We cannot and will not allow another generation to miss out. <BR /> <BR />Now is the time for the British Government to step up and put their commitment on the table. No more delays or broken promises: the GAA community has waited long enough. Casement Park goes far beyond sport. It will be a catalyst for regeneration, creating jobs, boosting local businesses and putting west Belfast and Antrim on the map. It will drive investment and pride into a community that has given so much and asked for so little in return. Antrim and Ulster Gaels deserve a home, and that home is Casement Park. For our part, we stand together — club and county, player and supporter — to deliver a stadium that reflects who we are and the future that we deserve. There is no ambiguity in this: Casement Park will be built.”
“Casement Park to me, as a young sportsperson and Gael growing up in west Belfast, was more than bricks and mortar, as it was for all Gaels: it was a symbol of identity, pride and belonging for Gaels across Antrim, Ulster and beyond. As an Executive flagship project, its delivery is not optional; it is a promise that must be honoured. I had the privilege of playing in Casement Park when I lined out with my club, St Paul's, shoulder to shoulder with teammates and friends and with two of my sisters by my side. Those memories are some of the most special of my life. It is truly sad to think that an entire generation of young Gaels has been denied that same opportunity to wear their club colours or represent their county and feel the pride of place and history that Casement Park embodies.”
“I thank the Member for that intervention. Ministers have difficult decisions to take, and they do not duck them. With the Benches opposite, sometimes we are damned if we do and damned if we don't. <BR /> <BR />We are absolutely committed, through the Programme for Government, to supporting businesses. The Minister of Finance is committed to doing that, as was the previous Minister of Finance.”