Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children, Kathleen Funchion TD, has welcomed the announcement of an independent investigation into Mother and Baby Homes in the north.

Speaking today, Teachta Funchion said:

“I welcome the announcement that an independent investigation will be held into Mother and Baby Homes in the north.

“I know that this week has been extremely difficult and upsetting for survivors due to the publication of the research report yesterday.

“The report contains harrowing and heartbreaking details about the way in which thousands of women and children were failed by state, church and society.

“I want to commend all the survivors who have participated in the research and are advocating for the truth to be told. 

“The announcement of this investigation is just the start of a difficult process, which I hope will bring some healing to survivors in finally addressing their experiences and ensuring they are no longer ignored. 

“The issue of Mother and Baby Homes is an all-island one. We know from the research report in the north and the commission report in the south that the homes operated across Ireland, with women, girls and their babies being taken between the two jurisdictions.

“It is vital that this issue is approached on an all-island basis. I know Minister Roderic O’Gorman held a meeting with Ministers Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill last week in recognition of this and I welcome it.

“We must continue to work closely together on an all-Ireland basis on this issue to ensure survivors get the answers they need.

“Survivors deserve the truth and they deserve action. I hope that the independent investigation in the north will be a vital mechanism for achieving this.

“It must be done in close consultation with survivors, so that survivors’ needs and concerns are at the very heart of the process.

“We must learn from the mistakes of the commission report, which caused unnecessary distress to survivors due to its insensitive and inappropriate handling of a variety of issues. This cannot happen again and survivors must be treated with respect.

“I want to commend survivors across Ireland for their tireless advocacy on this vital issue. We all have a duty to ensure their voices are heard and that Government act to resolve issues accessing birth certificates, medical cards, housing, counselling services and other services.”