Historical Institutional Abuse (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]

Lord Dodds of Duncairn Excerpts

2nd reading: House of Commons
Tuesday 5th November 2019 Commons Chamber

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Julian Smith)]

I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time.

It has been seven years since the Northern Ireland Executive established an independent inquiry into historical institutional abuse in Northern Ireland. Today’s legislation is based on an inquiry and report, undertaken by Sir Anthony Hart, that occupied 223 days of hearings. The Hart report investigated 22 institutions, but it identified a further 65 institutions that came within its terms of reference. The draft legislation was subject to a 16-week consultation process in Northern Ireland.

[Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP)]

Right across this House, and right across Northern Ireland, there will be a very warm welcome for the Government bringing forward this legislation to get it on the statute book before Dissolution. I thank everybody involved in this House, the Secretary of State and, most importantly, the campaigners for the day we have now reached.

[Julian Smith]

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for all that he and his party have done to help to deliver this Bill.