News

The commencement of excavation work today at the site of the former mother and baby home in Tuam represents an important milestone in the long campaign for truth and justice, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “Today marks a significant step towards restoring the dignity […]

Religious orders must be compelled by the government to financially contribute to the €800 million redress scheme for survivors of mother and baby homes, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who is the party’s spokesperson on children and equality, said: “It is astonishing to learn today that not one cent has been […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has expressed frustration at the Minister for Children’s refusal to commit to a physical survey and possible excavation of the Bessborough mother and baby home grounds in Cork. “This is the possible burial place of hundreds of unaccounted for children who died at this notorious institution, which operated as a […]

Welcoming An Bord Pleanála’s decision to refuse planning permission for an apartment scheme at the former Bessborough mother and baby home in Cork, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has repeated her call for a sensitive excavation of the grounds of the estate, which is widely believed to be a children’s burial ground. “The latest refusal […]

The Government’s failure to secure a financial contribution from religious orders towards the redress scheme for survivors of mother and baby homes has been strongly criticised by Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “It is astonishing to learn that, to date, not one cent has been handed over by the church bodies complicit in the inhumane […]