The First Minister and Deputy First Minister need to avoid any further delay in issuing an apology to the victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse, Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw has said.

South Belfast MLA Ms Bradshaw said while First Minister Arlene Foster had stated last week the Executive Office was close to appointing a full-time commissioner, who would ‘take up the issue of an apology,’ victims and survivors had waited long enough.

“Around 45 months ago, Sir Anthony Hart launched his inquiry into the serious sexual, physical and emotional abuse over many years in children’s homes run by religious orders, charities and the state. In this report, he recommended an apology for this abuse,” said Ms Bradshaw.

“I have heard from the Executive Office they want to see the victims and survivors involved in agreeing the wording of this apology, however, I feel they have been clear, over and over again, they are not looking for elaborate process to agree this wording, merely a sincere acknowledgement of their pain and suffering through the Assembly..

“I would urge the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to make this apology – on behalf of all the people of Northern Ireland – as a matter of urgency.”