MPs fast-track law to compensate NI abuse victims
MPs have fast-tracked legislation to compensate victims of historical institutional abuse in Northern Ireland.
The Historical Institutional Abuse (Northern Ireland) Bill was approved in the Commons having previously been supported by Lords.
Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith urged victims to come forward to make a claim and said around 5,000 people could be eligible for compensation through the redress scheme the new law would set up.
Mr Lewis said: "No matter what country they live in, I would now urge all victims and survivors to apply.
"Whether you are part of a victim's group or whether you have lived with your abuse silently for years, please make use of this redress scheme from this Bill.''
The Bill establishes a Historical Institutional Abuse Redress Board to administer a publicly funded compensation scheme for victims in Northern Ireland and also allows for a commissioner for survivors of institutional childhood abuse to be appointed.
Mr Smith said: "It is the first Bill of its kind in the United Kingdom with the results of inquiries in England and Wales and Scotland yet to be completed.
"I hope that this Bill will give some comfort and hope to victims of child abuse from across our country.''
Mr Smith welcomed the consensus from the six main political parties in Northern Ireland, and across the Commons, to fast-track the legislation before Parliament is dissolved for the General Election.
He also paid tribute to Sir Anthony Hart, who chaired the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry in Northern Ireland, and died in July before his report's recommendations could be implemented.
Mr Smith said: "I know that Sir Anthony was, I think, perplexed by the slowness of all of us to get this done."
The Chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, Simon Hoare MP, said:
“I am delighted to see that the Historical Institutional Abuse in Northern Ireland Bill has finally passed all stages and been granted Royal Assent.
"Last week I wrote to the Prime Minister to express the strong concerns of the Committee that the bill would fall before dissolution, which would have been a gross injustice to those who had fought so hard for survivors to be given the compensation and support they deserve after all these years.
"I am glad to see that our concerns were listened to and that the Government granted time today to ensure that this Bill passed before Parliament dissolves.
"I hope that today provides some comfort for survivors, as I believe the passing of the Bill marks an important step toward justice for those who have been ignored for far too long."