NI civil service forms draft HIA legislation
The head of Northern Ireland's civil service will ask the secretary of state to bring forward legislation to redress survivors of institutional abuse if the executive is not restored.
David Sterling made the comments at the NI Affairs committee at Westminster.
Mr Sterling told MPs a that a team was working on forming draft legislation that would implement the HIA recommendations in full.
The Hart report recommended providing compensation, a memorial and a public apology to abuse survivors.
'Cause of concern'
During questioning, North Down MP Lady Hermon asked the top civil servant about plans to implement the Hart recommendations.
David Sterling responded: "This is an issue that causes us more concerns than anything else, and we do feel for the victims.
"This has a real immediate impact on a group of people who have been horribly abused."
He added, that a team is currently working on forming draft legislation "which would have the effect of implementing the Hart recommendations in full".
Mr Sterling told MPs, that due to the complex nature of the legislation, he expects the draft legislation to be ready by the summer.
"If there is no executive in place, I will be asking the Secretary of State to take that legislation through parliament," he added.