Time Running Out to Urge Institutions for Redress Fund Contributions
Urgent calls are being made for institutions to contribute to a redress fund for abuse survivors as the application deadline approaches
Northern Ireland, Redress Fund, Abuse Survivors, Stormont, Jon McCourt
Belfast: Stormont is facing pressure to make institutions legally required to chip in for a redress fund aimed at helping abuse survivors. The clock is ticking, and many folks who suffered abuse in Northern Ireland still don’t know about the redress scheme, which closes for applications on April 2.
This compensation scheme was set up back in 2019 after the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry wrapped up its work. The inquiry, led by Sir Anthony Hart, uncovered a lot of painful truths about the abuse that happened in state-run, church, and charity homes from 1922 to 1995.
Jon McCourt from Survivors North West is sounding the alarm about the urgency of the redress process. He and a couple of other advocates met with the Stormont Executive Committee to discuss the situation. They also talked about creating a memorial for the victims of this historical abuse.
So far, around £100 million has been paid out to victims, but McCourt pointed out that only three institutions have made any interim payments towards the redress costs. He believes that religious institutions should step up and contribute fairly, just like they did in the Republic of Ireland.
McCourt is pushing for changes to the Historical Institutional Abuse Act 2019, suggesting that contributions should be a legal requirement instead of just a recommendation. He shared how this whole ordeal has affected not just the victims but their families and friends too.
He reminded the committee of a promise made back in 2008 by the then First and deputy First Ministers, saying, “we will not let you down.” Now, he’s asking them to keep that promise for all the victims and survivors.
On another note, the committee is still considering plans for a memorial for the victims. A previous idea for a memorial bench has been put on hold, and they’re looking to form a steering group to involve survivors in deciding what the memorial should look like.
McCann, another advocate, believes it’s crucial for survivors to have a say in this process rather than leaving it all to officials. It’s all about making sure their voices are heard.