East Belfast Ulster Unionist MLA Andy Allen has called for action to develop a redress package for victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse.
Mr Allen said:
“Earlier today I attended a roundtable discussion organised by the Survivors and Victims of Institutional Abuse (SAVIA) at the University of Ulster. One of the main themes was the degree of frustration at the lack of progress in drawing up a redress package for victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse.
“The outgoing Executive simply has not delivered and it is therefore essential that the same mistakes are not repeated in the new mandate. As soon as possible after the election, the new Executive has to begin the process of scoping out a redress package that is shaped around the needs of victims and survivors. Given that Sir Anthony Hart has already indicated that he is likely to recommend a scheme to award financial compensation once his Inquiry is completed, it would surely be prudent if OFMdFM were to have assessed the viability of the various redress options available.
“The Ulster Unionist Party is clear that victims and survivors of institutional abuse have already waited long enough for action and are entitled to have their voices heard."