Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman has been urged to respect survivors’ wishes and ensure the Mother and Baby Homes records are not sealed for thirty years.
Speaking this morning ahead today’s Dáil debate on the issue, Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell said that the way the Government has attempted to rush through the Mother and Baby Homes Bill is “nothing short of disgraceful”.
“Survivors, their families, their legal representatives and their advocates have been understandably deeply distressed by the appalling way in which their wishes have been disregarded,” said Deputy Farrell.
The Sinn Féin TD said that it is not right for their testimonies to be sealed for thirty years, and that they have been brave to speak out and share their stories.
“We must ensure their stories are heard.”
Deputy Farrell once again urged the Minister to do “the right thing” and put a stop to “this unfair and indefensible Bill”.
“The amendments submitted go nowhere near far enough and they fail to address the major issues at the heart of this injustice.
“I am sure that the Minister could not in good conscience see survivors’ distress and trauma added to in this way. It is not too late for him to do the right thing.
“Today I am urging him to ensure that survivors’ voices are at the centre of his approach. He must listen to their objections in a respectful and compassionate way.”
