NWCI welcomes Minister Flanagan’s statement on a Commission of Inquiry with full statutory powers

Published: Tuesday, June 10, 2014

National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) today welcomes Minister Flanagan’s statement that a full Commission of Inquiry will be established to deal with the abusive practices which occurred in Mother and Baby Homes.

Rachel Doyle, Head of Outreach at NWCI said,
“NWCI welcome the news that the government has recognised the timeliness and the urgency of a Commission of Inquiry into the abusive practices replicated in the many mother and baby homes throughout Ireland. It is imperative that the Interdepartmental Report that will be presented to Cabinet on June 30th recommend that the terms of reference of the inquiry cover the mistreatment of women and children in mother and baby homes, the cause of the high mortality rates, burial circumstances, clinical trials without parental consent and circumstances surrounding adoption, including illegal and forced adoptions.”

Rachel Doyle continued,
“We further welcome the Taoiseach’s comments at Leader’s Questions today that as one of a number of mother and baby homes, Bethany Home must be included in the investigation into these abusive practices. The survivors of Bethany have waited too long for full access to their records, an apology, justice and redress. We echo Minister Flanagan’s comments that all Churches have a role to play in establishing the truth.”

Rachel Doyle concluded,
“While we unconditionally welcome the establishment of a full, statutory inquiry into mother and baby homes, lessons from previous inquiries, in particular the McAleese Report, must be learned. Investigators must have full access to Church records. There must be no attempt to minimise physical or psychological abuse and survivor testimonies must be the most important resource in the inquiry.”

For more information: please contact Sarah Clarkin, Communications Officer, National Women’s Council of Ireland, Tel. 085 858 9104.