SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has welcomed the recommendation of a full public inquiry into mother and baby homes in the North.

The Truth Recovery Design Panel has recommended a public inquiry alongside redress payments to survivors.

Executive Office Committee Chair Mr McGrath said:

“I welcome this call by the independent panel for a full public inquiry into Mother and Baby Homes. My thoughts are with the victims on what will surely have been another difficult day on their journey for truth.

“A public inquiry is what I had suggested at the time the panel was established and sought assurances from the Executive Office and Ministers that if such an outcome was requested that it would be delivered.

“This was agreed by the First and Deputy First Ministers then and now that the panel has made its recommendation, it must be swiftly constituted and delivered.

“I continue to ask for therapeutic and support services to be offered alongside an inquiry. These women and children were badly failed by state and religious institutions up until as recently as 1990. We must find out the truth, deliver proper financial redress and ensure a proper acknowledgment and fitting memorial is put in place."