‘Give baby home survivors early access to report’

SURVIVORS of mother and baby homes should get to see a hard copy of the long-awaited Commission of Investigation report before it is made public in January, campaigners have urged.

The inquiry was set up five years ago, in the wake of claims that the bodies of up to 800 children were buried in an unmarked mass grave in Tuam, Co. Galway.

As well as the Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home, the Commission’s remit also covers investigation into the records of and the practices at an additional 13 mother and baby homes.

Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman has told the Dáil that the report will be published on January 11. He said publishing it close to Christmas would not have been appropriate, which i s why i t will be published in the second week in January.

He also noted that counselling services will be in place for survivors and former residents at the time of publication.

The final report by Judge Yvonne Murphy, legal expert Dr William Duncan and historian Professor Mary E Daly was delivered to the Minister on October 30.

Sinn Féin spokesman on children, Kathl een Funchion TD, welcomed t he announcement of the publication. Praising those who fought for the Inquiry: Roderic O’Gorman truth to be heard. She said: ‘The Commission began its work over five years ago and I am mindful that during this period many of the survivors, including mothers and children of the homes, have since died.’ She added that she supported survivors’ calls that they must be given advance sight of the report and be provided with a hard copy, prior to it being released to the wider public. Catherine Corless, the historian who uncovered the Tuam scandal, echoed this. ‘I know it would mean a lot to the survivors, who are nearly always the l ast to know what’s going on and what’s in store, so it would definitely be a good idea, even if it was released to them in groups so they could go through it and see what’s in it,’ she said.

The Department of Children said: ‘ The Minister recognises how important it is that former residents and their families are the first to hear about the report and to know how to access it. Immediately following the Cabinet meeting, the Minister and An Taoiseach will host an online presentation exclusively for former residents.

‘In this way, survivors will be the first to hear key findings of the report and details of the initial Government response.’

Ms Funchion said survivors should get more time to consider the report in full.