One-month extension for historical abuse consultation
The public consultation for those affected by historical institutional abuse has been extended by a month.
The Executive Office announced on Wednesday those wishing to have their say will now be able to do so up until 10 March. Consultation on the issue had been set to close on 10 February. Head of NI's Civil Service David Sterling said it was "vital" that victims have "every opportunity to respond". "At the outset of this process I was very clear that the Executive Office would respond flexibly and positively to any legitimate request for an extension," he added. In November 2018, three pieces of proposed legislation aimed at dealing with outstanding issues around historical institutional abuse were published by the Executive Office. At the time, David Sterling told BBC News NI Secretary of State Karen Bradley had a "moral responsibility" to take action on the issue from Westminster if Stormont had not been restored by the end of the consultation process. The Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) inquiry was formally set up in May 2012 and was chaired by retired judge Sir Anthony Hart. Recommendations included in the subsequent report were for legislation to deal with compensation and redress for victims. The proposed legislation would: In a letter to Karen Bradley earlier this week, UUP leader Robin Swann called for an interim payment to be made to victims. "I make a plea to you and the UK Government to move on this issue. You have set a precedent by passing budgets for Northern Ireland and making public appointments," he said. "You would be hard pressed to find a critical voice on providing some level of relief to HIA survivors in this instance." Sir Anthony Hart's recommendations Official estimates are that the average compensation amount paid to survivors could end up being around £18,500 each - an estimate based on a similar scheme in the Republic. Once the consultation process has concluded proposed legislation requires ministerial sign off.