Ulster Unionist MLA Alan Chambers has welcomed the successful passage of his Preservation of Documents (Historical Institutions) Bill. The legislation will ensure the legal protection of records relating to institutions such as Mother & Baby homes and Magdalene Laundries.

Alan Chambers said:

“Previous reports have provided a graphic insight into the lived experiences of the many thousands of women, girls and children, who suffered such appalling abuse and neglect in historical institutions such as Mother & Baby homes and Magdalene Laundries.

“Many women were placed in these facilities as a result of pregnancy outside of marriage and then gave birth to children, many of whom were adopted and many more of whom were taken into care – either residential care or foster care.

“It’s not just for legal or investigatory reasons that documents need to be retained – for a great number of children who are now adults, these documents are the first and often only official account of their births and earliest weeks and months. For some the documents will contain precious details and information never before revealed.  And for women and girls, the documents will contain crucial definitive accounts of their journey into, within and out of such institutions.

“The Truth Recovery Design Panel report in 2021 contained 5 core recommendations, one of which related to the legal preservation of records. The importance of access to records cannot be overstated for victims and survivors as with each passing day the risk increases of records being destroyed or continuing to be kept in less than suitable conditions.

“That is what prompted me, working very closely with the Minister of Health, to consider securing the legal protection by means of a Private Members’ Bill and I’m delighted that in the final moments of the outgoing Assembly mandate that I was able to secure its passage.”