AQW 14725/22-27 Written question to the First Minister and deputy First Minister

To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail their plans to review the office of the Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse before the current commissioner’s role comes to an end.

Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 10 September 2024

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
10 September 2024
Answer due by
25 September 2024
Answered
19 September 20249 days after tabling
Department
The Executive Office
Priority question
No

Answer

The HIA (NI) Act 2019 requires us to commission an independent person to review the operation of COSICA and produce a report which includes an assessment of whether there continues to be a need for the Commissioner.

We have appointed Professor Alexis Jay as the independent assessor to conduct the review, which is now underway. Professor Jay is working to Terms of Reference that were agreed following feedback from COSICA. Following some initial desk-based work, it is intended that Professor Jay will commence meetings with relevant stakeholders from October 2024, with a final report being submitted by the end of December 2024.

Official sources