A Review of the Commission of Investigation Report into Mother and Baby Homes
A Review of the Commission of Investigation Report into Mother and Baby Homes in Ireland Between 1922 and 1998
The Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into the Mother and Baby Homes was published on 12th January 2021. The Commission of Investigation was established by the Irish Government in February 2015 to provide a full account of what happened to vulnerable women and children in Mother and Baby Homes during the period of 1922 to 1998 in the Republic of Ireland. The Terms of Reference do not include homes in Northern Ireland despite a number of homes operating in that jurisdiction during the period in question.
Some 56,000 unmarried mothers and 57,000 children passed through the homes and the report further states that a further 25,000 women and a larger number of children were likely to have been resident in county homes, which were not examined by the Commission. it has been reported that The State, churches and indeed the families of the pregnant women were responsible for the ill-treatment of women. It has been further reported some 9,000 children died at the 18 homes covered in the report. The institutions doubled as orphanages and adoption agencies and were run by nuns but received state funding and were regulated by the State.
The Irish Government said the report revealed the country had a ‘stifling, oppressive and brutally misogynistic culture’.
Redress scheme in the Republic of Ireland:
The Irish Government has confirmed it will implement the recommendations of the report.
An important recommendation is that a redress scheme be set up which would allow financial compensation to be paid to the survivors. Legislation will also be passed to provide survivors with a right to access their records, even if this requires a referendum to enact constitutional amendment.
If you or a member of your family have been affected by any of the Mother and Baby Homes, you may be entitled to make an application for compensation and you are welcome to contact our offices to discuss and seek advice on any aspect of this process.
Public Inquiry in Northern Ireland:
The Commission of Investigation in the Republic of Ireland did not examine homes located in Northern Ireland during of 1922 to 1998. There has been calls for a Public Inquiry to be convened by the Government in Northern Ireland.
How We Can Help:
At P.A. Duffy Solicitors, we understand the sensitivity attached to this case therefore we promise to treat your case with empathy and professionalism. We are dedicated to providing you with the best legal advice during the process.
Do not hesitate to contact our Human Rights solicitors for further discussion: