Planning rules are said to have hit the installation of the stone — paid for by the three main unionist parties DUP, UUP and TUV — at Stormont.
But in a rare display of political unity, another commemorative event has been agreed — to mark the scandal of the Mother and Baby Homes and Magdalene Laundries.
A plaque will be erected in the main entrance area to Parliament Buildings — before the official inquiry into the mainly church-run homes gets underway.
The Assembly parties have also secured the agreement of all victims groups after a memorial bench was first suggested.
And now it had been confirmed the ceremony to unveil the plaque will take place this autumn.
The plaque was a recommendation in the report of the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry almost eight years ago.
The report in 2017 said the memorial would “remind legislators and others of what many children experienced in residential homes.”
The stone was commissioned to mark NI’s centenary
But it was late 2023 before the Executive Office (TEO) wrote to then Speaker Alex Maskey seeking permission from the Assembly Commission which is responsible for Parliament Buildings, for, at that time, a memorial bench.
The current Assembly Speaker, Edwin Poots, worked with the Executive Office on alternatives inside Parliament Buildings and told the Commission that an agreement had been reached with all victim groups for a memorial plaque.
Commission members have asked to see the design of the plaque before it is placed in the main entrance area to the Great Hall.
A Stormont centenary stone has been approved.
A spokesperson for TEO said: “Following engagement with victims’ and survivors’ groups, there is support for fulfilling the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry recommendation through a memorial plaque in Parliament Buildings.
“We have received the Assembly Speaker’s formal approval, enabling us to proceed and continue engagement with survivors.
“Subject to agreement on wording and completion of logistical arrangements, we are aiming for installation and a formal opening in autumn 2025.”
There has been no indication of an installation date for the Centenary Stone but party sources have insisted progress is being made.