27Oct
From the Irish State’s foundation (1922), until 1998, Mother and Baby and County Homes existed across Ireland.
Background
Institutions -designed to accommodate single mothers, pregnant women or those risking destitution- became places of neglect, degradation, suffering and loneliness. Significantly, rates of infant mortality outstripped those of the wider population.
Following the discovery of the remains of 796 children, illegally buried on the site of the Bonn Secours Home in Tuam (County Galway) -and campaigns from former residents of the homes- a Commission of Investigation was established by the Irish Government. This was followed by the enactment of several pieces of legislation, aimed at responding to former residents’ experiences.
Redress
It’s believed 38,000 people will be eligible to access these schemes. Additionally, it’s estimated 40% of these live in Britain.
- With today’s legislation in place, what effects are the systems having?
- What were the experiences of former residents and how are they being addressed?
- Where can people access the schemes or gain help to access them?
During our online event, Fréa will explore former resident experiences and share the Government’s response. The event will help people understand how they access these systems and ways they can advocate for former residents.
♀️❤️🔱
Related writing
Historical Institutional abuse apology
Further information
Final report on the commission
Click here to visit the report pages.
Embassy notice
On 4 Sept 2023, Liverpool Irish Festival received a notification from the Embassy of Ireland about a consultation concerning the National Centre for Research and Remembrance. Consultation opened earlier in the year and will last until 15 Sept 2023. More information on the Centre, the steering committee and consultation can be found here.
Tuam Oral History project
In 2021, we held an In:Visible Women day, focussed on the Tuam Oral Hsitory Project. Recordings of the sessions can be seen, here.
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