To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for their assessment of the role that the Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse has had in supporting victims of childhood abuse.

We are pleased to confirm that, following a review undertaken by Professor Alexis Jay, we have decided that the office of the Commissioner should remain in operation for an additional two years, up to December 2027.

We have offered Fiona Ryan the opportunity to remain in her role for this time to continue the good work she and her office do in supporting and advocating for Victims and Survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse.

Professor Jay’s review found that, although the workload of the Commissioner has reduced with the recent closure of the Redress Scheme to new applications, a short extension would allow time to consider how best to support victims and survivors moving forward. We look forward to working with the Commissioner and her staff over this time as we continue to support those who suffered institutional abuse.