The appointment of an independent panel to progress the work of the Truth Recovery Programme into mother and baby homes has been welcomed as a "huge boost" for victims and survivors.
Stormont's Executive Office said the 10-person panel fulfilled a key recommendation of a 2021 report by the Truth Recovery Design Panel into mother and baby homes, Magdalene laundries and workhouses.
The panel was set up following cross-party support in the Assembly to help victims seek justice.
Their report outlined the need for an integrated truth investigation which consisted of an independent panel and a public inquiry.
Ulster University academic Dr Leanne McCormick and Queen's University Belfast's Professor Sean O’Connell, described by the Executive Office as both having "significant experience and expertise in this area" will jointly chair the panel, which will also include three victim and survivor representatives.
Executive Office permanent secretary Dr Denis McMahon said: “The independent panel appointments are a critical part of the integrated truth recovery investigation. The experience and expertise of the appointees reflects the importance of this work, which will be underpinned by a victim-survivor centred approach.
Dr McCormick and Professor O’Connell, said in a joint statement: “A primary role of the independent panel is to provide those with direct experience of the institutions and practices an opportunity to provide their testimonies in a non-adversarial, supported, and if requested, confidential way.
“We appreciate the importance, impact and responsibility of the independent panel and our roles. We look forward to working with victims and survivors and with the rest of the panel to support access to truth, acknowledgement and accountability.”
The panel is due to complete its work within 24 months.
A solicitor representing campaign group Birth Mothers and their Children for Justice, Claire McKeegan, said: "The independent panel being announced is a huge boost to our clients...who have campaigned tirelessly for a decade for a full robust investigation into the mother and baby homes and Magdalene laundries in Northern Ireland. Today marks the beginning for victims and survivors on their road to justice."
She added: "So many families in NI are affected by crimes that were committed in these institutions and their stories can now be told of the pain and suffering that they endured at the hands of church and state."
