Consultation on the Inquiry Rules for the Truth Recovery Public Inquiry

What is the purpose of the consultation?

The purpose of the consultation is to seek your views on the proposed Rules that are set out in order for the procedures to be observed during the Inquiry as allowed for in clause 28 of the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill.

The Bill states the purposes and structure of the Inquiry and also sets out the broad powers the Chairperson has in relation to: -

• how the Inquiry operates, public access to the Inquiry and any restrictions;
• designation of core participants and legal representation arrangements; 
• procedures for gathering and hearing evidence and questioning witnesses;
• disclosure and confidentiality;
• reporting and records; and
• awards for legal costs and expenses    

The proposed Rules provide further detail on how the above powers work in practice. They are closely based on the secondary legislation from the Inquiries Act 2005 - The Inquiry Rules 2006.

The Bill, which was passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly on 30 June 2026, does not come into operation until it achieves Royal Assent. The Rules can then be brought before the Assembly for their consideration, before they are made into law.  Your views will help inform this process.