Authors of ‘Mother and Baby Homes’ report must answer questions in the Oireachtas – Matt Carthy TD
Sinn Féin TD for Cavan Monaghan, Matt Carthy, has said that the Commissioners of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission must ‘do the right thing’ by survivors and answer questions in the Oireachtas.
Carthy was echoing a call by his party colleague, Kathleen Funchion, who is the Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Children.
Teachta Carthy said:
“The Oireachtas Committee on Children have previously invited all three commissioners to attend to discuss the ‘Mother and Baby Homes’ report following its publication early this year, but they refused. Last week one of the commissioners, Mary Daly, told an Oxford event that the commission essentially discounted evidence provided to it by hundreds of survivors to its confidential committee. This revelation has caused enormous hurt and distress to survivors.
“It is now vital that survivors can get answers to the very reasonable questions that they have. Many survivors have been left distressed and re-traumatised by the way in which the Commission has gone about its work and particularly in the aftermath following the report’s publication.
“The fact that one Commissioner was willing to speak at an academic event about the work of the Commission, when she had previously declined by request to appear before the Oireachtas Committee is deeply concerning. Some of the remarks made by Professor Daly during that seminar have left further questions on the commission and its final report.
“All of the Commissioners must now accept the Oireachtas Committee’s invitation this time. This is an opportunity to give survivors the answers they deserve and address ongoing concerns.
“The legacy of the Mother and Baby Homes has created a huge scar on Irish society that we need to recognise and address. In the first instance survivors deserve to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion. The commission report has profound implications for their lives, and they have a right to transparency and accountability.
“It is therefore imperative that the Commissioners to do the right thing.”
ENDS
