The panel, co-chaired by Dr Leanne McCormick and Professor Sean O’Connell, and consisting of expert members alongside 3 victim-survivor representatives, will begin work on the integrated truth investigation, gathering evidence from victims and survivors and seeking to obtain and preserve records and archives.

This represents the first step in implementing recommendations from the Truth Recovery Design Panel, which were fully endorsed by the NI Executive in November 2021.

Ms McAllister said: “This is welcome progress for victims and survivors of mother and baby institutions, Magdalene Laundries, and workhouses in Northern Ireland.

“There must be an urgency in beginning the work of the integrated truth investigation, to gather information and evidence. These individuals have waited far too long for the opportunity to access their information and receive redress for what they experienced in these institutions and the life-long impact of it.

“We also need to see progress on legislation for a public inquiry, with full statutory powers, and an Assembly and Executive restored to allow this legislation to be passed without further delay. Victims and survivors have waited long enough.”