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."