Northern Ireland

First institutional abuse payments awarded

The first compensation payments for victims of institutional abuse have been awarded. Picture by Alan Lewis, Photopress
The first compensation payments for victims of institutional abuse have been awarded. Picture by Alan Lewis, Photopress The first compensation payments for victims of institutional abuse have been awarded. Picture by Alan Lewis, Photopress

THE first compensation payments for survivors of institutional abuse have been awarded, more than three years after a landmark inquiry.

The Historical Institutional Abuse redress board, which was formally set up at the end of last month, sat remotely last week amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Chaired by Mr Justice Adrian Colton, the panel sat on Friday to decide on the first compensation payments.

Applicants have 21 days from the notification of the compensation award to either accept or appeal it.

An Executive Office spokesperson said: "The HIA Redress Board became fully operational on 31 March 2020. In keeping with the President’s commitment to have Redress Panels available to sit from later in April, the first sitting of a redress panel took place on 24 April to consider a number of applications for compensation."

It is three years since the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) inquiry exposed serious sexual, physical and emotional abuse over decades at children's homes run by religious orders, charities and the state.

It recommended compensation payments, an apology, a public memorial and care packages for victims and survivors.

The process stalled after Stormont collapsed in January 2017. Redress legislation was only agreed at Westminster late last year.

Margaret McGuckin from Savia (Survivors & Victims of Institutional Abuse) said compensation should have been given many years ago.

"It's been a long hard struggle and I am happy to hear that this has actually happened," she said.

"Many victims will rejoice and are looking forward to their applications being assessed.

"They need something to lift their spirits at this time."

Solicitor Claire McKeegan, of Phoenix Law, said the move was hugely significant for survivors.

The lawyer, who represents the majority of abuse victims, said: "We have seen a surge in survivors coming forward to make applications for long overdue redress.

"It is welcome news for survivors that the redress board has begun sitting and assessing applications for compensation."