Menu
05/10/2021
Report Calls For Public Inquiry Into Mother And Baby Homes In NI
An expert panel has called for a public inquiry into mother and baby homes in Northern Ireland and an immediate redress scheme for survivors.
Accusations have been made by women at the homes of being held against their will, used as unpaid labour and made to give up babies for adoption.
The Truth Recovery Design Panel's primary recommendation is for the establishment of an "integrated Investigation" by a non-statutory independent panel, feeding into a statutory public inquiry.
Following the publication of the report, Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw, has said that the recommendations need to be implemented urgently.
She said: "I welcome the recommendations from the expert panel, but there now should be a statutory public inquiry," said South Belfast MLA Ms Bradshaw.
"Like many campaigners I have worked with, I came to the conclusion long ago a public inquiry will be the only way to compel evidence and get to the detail of what occurred in mother and baby homes.
"Alongside others, I will now examine the details of the proposed role of the non-statutory investigation panel, but I also welcome the recommendation for urgent legislation to enable access to legal records and for urgent redress payments.
"With the last home having closed in 1990, we cannot understate the urgency with which these recommendations must be implemented. Those who suffered in mother and baby homes have already waited far too long for the recognition they deserve, for thorough investigations, and ultimately for truth and justice.
"What we need to see now is an immediate acceptance of the recommendations by the UK Government and Executive, and a sense of real urgency in moving forward with implementing them."
Accusations have been made by women at the homes of being held against their will, used as unpaid labour and made to give up babies for adoption.
The Truth Recovery Design Panel's primary recommendation is for the establishment of an "integrated Investigation" by a non-statutory independent panel, feeding into a statutory public inquiry.
Following the publication of the report, Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw, has said that the recommendations need to be implemented urgently.
She said: "I welcome the recommendations from the expert panel, but there now should be a statutory public inquiry," said South Belfast MLA Ms Bradshaw.
"Like many campaigners I have worked with, I came to the conclusion long ago a public inquiry will be the only way to compel evidence and get to the detail of what occurred in mother and baby homes.
"Alongside others, I will now examine the details of the proposed role of the non-statutory investigation panel, but I also welcome the recommendation for urgent legislation to enable access to legal records and for urgent redress payments.
"With the last home having closed in 1990, we cannot understate the urgency with which these recommendations must be implemented. Those who suffered in mother and baby homes have already waited far too long for the recognition they deserve, for thorough investigations, and ultimately for truth and justice.
"What we need to see now is an immediate acceptance of the recommendations by the UK Government and Executive, and a sense of real urgency in moving forward with implementing them."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
27 November 2024
SDLP Backs Calls For Maternity and Children's Hospital Inquiry
The SDLP has backed calls for a full independent inquiry into a new Maternity and Children's Hospital in Belfast. Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA said it was key to understanding the reasons for spiralling costs on the project.
SDLP Backs Calls For Maternity and Children's Hospital Inquiry
The SDLP has backed calls for a full independent inquiry into a new Maternity and Children's Hospital in Belfast. Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA said it was key to understanding the reasons for spiralling costs on the project.
26 November 2024
DUP Calls For Full Independent Inquiry Into Hospital Project
The DUP has called on the Health Minister for a full independent inquiry into the handling of the new regional maternity and children's hospital project.
DUP Calls For Full Independent Inquiry Into Hospital Project
The DUP has called on the Health Minister for a full independent inquiry into the handling of the new regional maternity and children's hospital project.
17 May 2018
Hundreds Of New Homes To Be Developed In Co Down
Approximately 50 construction jobs are to be created as part of a £50million project to develop 900 new homes in Comber, Co Down. Northern Ireland homebuilders Hagan Homes has started construction work on the first phase of the 'Enler Village' site on the Newtownards Road, which includes the development of 17 new homes.
Hundreds Of New Homes To Be Developed In Co Down
Approximately 50 construction jobs are to be created as part of a £50million project to develop 900 new homes in Comber, Co Down. Northern Ireland homebuilders Hagan Homes has started construction work on the first phase of the 'Enler Village' site on the Newtownards Road, which includes the development of 17 new homes.
10 October 2024
Ministers Affirm Commitment To Baby Loss Certificate Scheme
Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt have issued a joint message of support to those affected by pregnancy and baby loss. The Ministers confirmed their commitment to working together to deliver a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme for parents who have lost a baby during pregnancy up to 24 weeks.
Ministers Affirm Commitment To Baby Loss Certificate Scheme
Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt have issued a joint message of support to those affected by pregnancy and baby loss. The Ministers confirmed their commitment to working together to deliver a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme for parents who have lost a baby during pregnancy up to 24 weeks.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
