ROBIN Swann has apologised to survivors of mother and baby homes.
The health minister said sorry for “the hurt and damage done to so many women and children” after a "harrowing" report detailed how thousands of unmarried women had been sent to homes in Northern Ireland.
“It’s not a good chapter in our history," he said.
The Executive announced on Tuesday that an independent investigation will be held following a six-month consultation with victims and survivors.
A spokeswoman for the Executive Office said last night that "officials are finalising details regarding how interested parties can express interest in being fully involved in the consultation process".
She added: "Details of how to express an interest will be announced shortly."
Some campaigners have already said they want a full statutory inquiry with the powers to compel evidence and witnesses.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International and Birth Mothers for Justice are to hold an online public meeting for survivors tomorrow evening.
Mechelle Dillon, secretary of Birth Mothers for Justice, said the report had come as a "huge relief" but cautioned that more work needed to be done.
"We need an independent investigation, accountability for what was done, for church and state to take full responsibility, and other next steps including apologies, redress and prosecutions where appropriate," she said.
Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International said any investigation needs to serve "the needs of survivors".
Survivors can register for the meeting, which will be held online at 7pm tomorrow, via www.eventbrite.com/e/mother-and-baby-homes-magdalene-laundries-in-ni-a-meeting-for-survivors-tickets-138571153049
