The Historical Institutional Abuse (Northern Ireland) Act was passed in Westminster on the last day of the previous Parliament after MPs fast-tracked the law last November.

Anyone who was resident in an institution in Northern Ireland between 1922 and 1995 and suffered or witnessed abuse or was subject to a harsh environment can apply to the redress board. Some people may also be eligible to apply if they were sent to Australia under the child migrant programme.

Spouses, civil partners, cohabiting partners or children of someone who has died can also apply on their behalf.

Welcoming the news, First Minister Arlene Foster said: “Following the passage of the legislation in November 2019, officials across a number of departments have been working at pace to ensure that the redress board and compensation scheme opens as quickly as possible.”

However, Ms Foster warned that decisions “will inevitably take longer than originally planned” due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Redress panel members and staff are working from home and claimants have been encouraged to apply through a solicitor to “keep the applications digital”.

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “I would encourage as many of those affected as possible to come forward and make an application to the redress board, through a solicitor if possible.”

There is a five-year window in which to make applications, so applicants who prefer to wait until they can deal face-to-face with a solicitor will still have plenty of time to lodge an application.