Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses Inquiry (Northern Ireland)

Ongoing

Mother and Baby Homes

Chair Professor Leanne McCormick and Professor Sean O'Connell Academic / Researcher
Established 24 Feb 2022

Investigation into mother and baby homes, Magdalene laundries and workhouses in Northern Ireland between 1922 and 1995, where over 14,000 girls and women are estimated to have passed through. Phase 1 Independent Panel Final Report published 21 October 2025. Phase 2 statutory public inquiry being established via NI Assembly legislation (Inquiry and Redress Scheme Bill, introduced June 2025).

Live tracking begins when the inquiry starts sitting.

4 years, 5 months Duration (ongoing)
1 question since Nov 2024
Written Question Care Homes: Northern Ireland
Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party)
05 Nov 2024
01 Oct 2021
Co-design panel reports

A co-design panel considering how an investigation and redress scheme should work reported to the Northern Ireland Executive.

30 Nov 2021
Executive agrees to an investigation

The Northern Ireland Executive agreed to establish an investigation into mother and baby institutions, Magdalene laundries and workhouses.

01 Apr 2023
Independent Panel appointed

An Independent Panel was appointed to lead the non-statutory investigation, ahead of a planned statutory Phase 2 public inquiry.

22 May 2024
Independent Panel interim report

The Independent Panel published its interim report.

16 Jun 2025
Redress Bill introduced

The Inquiry and Redress Scheme Bill, providing for a statutory Phase 2 public inquiry, was introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

30 Jun 2026
Bill passes Final Stage

The Inquiry and Redress Scheme Bill passed its Final Stage in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

06 Jul 2026
Independent Panel publishes final report

The Independent Panel, the non-statutory precursor investigation distinct from the planned statutory Phase 2 inquiry, published its final report, with recommendations addressed to the Executive rather than to this inquiry.