Historical Institutional Abuse survivors appeal to extend compensation scheme

Visibly emotional at times, he told MLAs that dealing with this issue had taken a severe toll on survivors and their families, appealing for a final push from politicians to do more, including compelling all religious and state-run organisations where abuse took place to make financial contributions.

Cyril Glass from Survivors Together said some solicitors had already stopped taking on cases for survivors due to the impending deadline for applications to the redress scheme.

Chair of The Executive Office committee Paula Bradshaw said there was “widespread support” from the committee to push for an extension of the deadline for applications to the Redress Board.

“The committee is following this up with the Law Society, however, there is an easy solution to this: The Executive Office could extend the scheme for six, 12 months or even longer,” she said.

“None of us want to see the victims of historical abuse not receive justice through the form of redress.”