The Truth Recovery Independent Panel has today published its Interim Report on Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses, detailing the progress of its work on testimony gathering, locating and preservation of records and preparing guidance to help victims-survivors access information held on them.
The Independent Panel was set up as part of the Truth Recovery Programme seeking truth, acknowledgement and accountability around Mother and Baby Homes, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses, in advance of a statutory Public Inquiry. The 10-person panel includes practitioners from areas of expertise including trauma informed practice; human rights law and genealogy as well as three Victims-Survivors Representatives to ensure a victim-survivor centred approach.
Testimony
The need for an Independent Panel became apparent during the Truth Recovery design process after many victims-survivors expressed that they wanted to be able to tell their lived experiences in a non-adversarial forum. This was supported by the Truth Recovery Design Panel, who reported that many people who gave testimony to the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry felt traumatised by the process.
Finding the best practice in order for victims-survivors to feel safe when they tell their lived experience has a been major part of the Independent Panel’s work in its first year, engaging with victims-survivors in how testimony should be gathered, undertaking specialist training for Testimony Facilitators and building capacity gradually and safely so delays between contact and testimony sessions are avoided.
The Independent Panel has so far prioritised hearing from registered participants aged 70+ or with a health issue. In the next phase of testimony collection over the coming months, the Independent Panel will approach the remainder of those who have already declared an interest in giving testimony. A wider appeal for people to come forward will begin in the summer, with those testimonies being collected from October.
Those who have already given their testimony have given positive feedback, commenting that the professional manner of the team had made it easy to tell their lived experience, and how much it meant for them to be listened to.
Records
On identifying and locating records relating to the Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses, the Independent Panel has been working closely with the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI).
A significant number of institutions have agreed to have their records digitised and made available to the Independent Panel for their investigation and as of April 2024, over 3,000 items have been received by PRONI. This includes 178 volumes/registers; 43 annual reports/accounts; 350 case files and 2,550 index card case notes.
The Independent Panel would encourage the number of remaining institutions who have not yet shared their records to do so, as this process is not only important to their work, but also to that of the wider Truth Recovery Programme to ensure the Public Inquiry and/or the Redress Service will have access to digital copies of the records.
Another important branch of this work is supporting those victims-survivors in navigating the often complicated and emotional process of trying to access information and records held on them. The Independent Panel has been mapping the relevant records available and has begun to prepare guidance for accessing them. It has also engaged with The Executive Office and Department of Justice to recommend changing the law to provide free legal advice and assistance to victims-survivors in their applications for access to records.
The Independent Panel is considering the best ways to advocate on behalf of people affected by the issues under investigation, to assist them in accessing information and support in participating with the Independent Panel’s work. The Independent Panel is committed to working with victims-survivors, the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) and related agencies to develop and adapt advocacy services.
Next steps
In the next 12 months, the Independent Panel will be examining records more closely for their Final Report, which is expected to be published in 2025 and will include recommendations for the upcoming Public Inquiry. The Independent Panel looks forward to working with the Chair of the Public Inquiry as soon as they are appointed to ensure a smooth transition between the work of the Independent Panel and that of the Public Inquiry.
Professor Leanne McCormick and Professor Sean O’Connell, Truth Recovery Independent Panel Co-Chairs commented on the publication of the Interim Report:
“Our report outlines our trauma-informed testimony collection process, which ensures that individuals who chose to share their experiences with us, can do so in a safe, respectful and supportive environment. We are indebted to the victims-survivors who helped us to shape this and want to thank those who have come forward to share their testimony with us so far. We hope they have found this to be a positive experience.”
“This work is laying strong foundations for the Public Inquiry, enabling it to carry out its work more effectively and we look forward to engaging with the Inquiry.”
“We know that those seeking the truth about themselves have faced significant challenges and this report outlines our dedicated efforts to support victims-survivors and their families in that journey by making it easier to access their records. As we move forward, we will continue to build on this work, ensuring a victim-survivor centred approach.”