Delay ‘Is a total disregard for survivors’
By Maurice Garvey
FURTHER delays on recommendations for the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation has been blasted by a survivor.
David Kinsella, who was born in St Patrick’s Mother and Baby home on the Navan Road and never saw his birth mother again, said a decision on recommendations for survivors was promised on April 30.
David Kinsella has blasted the further delays for survivors
“This was delayed because Oak Consulting, the private company the government hired to oversee the public consultation, won’t have their insights back until near the end of May,” he said.
“It is a total disregard for survivors. What is the story Minister Roderic O Gorman? Not a whisper on the news or the newspapers, from the department or the interdepartmental committee.
“Survivors are left in the dark again. All departments involved have survivors contact details but no apology for the delay. We are totally ignored as if we did not exist. Survivors don’t have time on their side.”
The publication of the Commission’s final report earlier this year drew criticism from many survivors, who felt their testimony was not accurately reflected in the more than 2,000-page document.
Last week, garda commissioner Drew Harris said there is insufficient detail in the report by the Mother and Baby Homes Commission to launch a criminal investigation.
Gardai also warned that in some cases there may be limitations to what actions can be taken going forward due to loss of evidence or suspects dying.
A dedicated email address MotherandBabyHomes@garda.ie has been set up to specifically deal with reports, or the Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line on 1800 555 222.
Gardai say anyone who makes contact through these channels will get a personal contact within 48 hours for follow-up.
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