Government must revisit decision to exclude Bethany Home survivors from redress

Published: Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Responding to Minister Alan Shatter’s statement yesterday that the Government will not provide a redress scheme for the survivors of the Bethany Home, Orla O’Connor, Director of National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) said,

“The Government’s decision not to provide redress for the Bethany Home survivors is unjust and must be revisited. It is incomprehensible why the State puts forward legal and administrative arguments for its decision, while there is a clear and well documented case of its failure to protect children in its care from neglect and abuse. ”

She continued,

“We are talking about bringing justice to a very small number of men and women. Providing redress would have a significant and concrete positive impact on their lives. We echo comments made by survivors that the Government’s proposal to provide ‘modest funding’ towards a memorial is insulting.”

She concluded,

“Our thoughts are with the Bethany Home survivors and their families today. We commend their strength and perseverance throughout the campaign.  NWCI will continue to support them in their fight for justice.”

Ends/

For more information, please contact Silke Paasche, Communications Officer, National Women’s Council of Ireland, Tel. 085 858 9104