SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has encouraged victims of mother and baby institutions to report their experiences to police.

Ms McLaughlin, who is chair of the Assembly’s Executive Office Committee, was speaking after it was reported the PSNI has received 29 allegations of criminal activity at institutions across the North.

Police are currently investigating allegations of physical and sexual abuse at mother and baby institutions.

Foyle MLA Ms McLaughlin said:

“Given what we know about what went at mother and baby institutions for decades it’s clear that there would be many more incidents than those that have been reported so far. We must do everything in our power to ensure that victims around the world know that this investigation is ongoing and those who want to come forward feel comfortable and supported to share their story.

“The way people were treated at these institutions was horrific beyond belief and from my own meetings with victims and survivors I know how deep those scars run and how many people are still traumatised today because of what they experienced. It’s important that we support every effort possible to ensure justice for those who suffered so greatly and to hold those responsible to account.

“We also need to see progress following the commitment to a public inquiry and redress payments for victims. Efforts to progress the recommendations of the Truth Recovery Design Panel have been delayed by the DUP’s decision to collapse the Executive, without a second thought for anyone but themselves. Victims and survivors have already waited much too long for truth and justice and anyone putting barriers in front of them achieving that as soon as possible should feel deeply ashamed.”