Need for More Engagement with Survivors

Galway Independent
March 29, 2017

http://www.galwayindependent.com/news/topics/articles/2017/03/29/4137432-need-for-more-engagement-with-survivors/

Galway County Council need to engage in a “much more meaningful way” with Tuam historian Catherine Corless and representatives of the survivors of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home. That’s according to Sinn Fein Senator, Trevor O Clochartaigh.

This week, a Sinn Fein motion to set up a Truth Commission into the home and all other related institutions is due to be voted on in the Dail, with the Galway Senator calling on all Galway TDs to support the motion.

Representatives of survivors are very upset by the way they are being treated by Galway County Council, Senator O Clochartaigh said. “It appears they are being completely ignored when any decision or announcements in relation to the Tuam Mother and Baby Home are being made.”

He described proposals for a Peace Garden at the site at this stage as “wholly inappropriate given what has been brought to public attention by Catherine Corless and others.”

The Senator has written to the Chief Executive Kevin Kelly, asking him to meet with Catherine Corless and representatives of survivors’ groups “as a matter of urgency, to take their concerns on board”.

Galway County Council previously stated that it remains committed to “facilitating an appropriate consultation process with the local community about the future of the site”. “The timeline for the consultation process will, of necessity, be influenced by the continuing work of the Commission, the statutory role of the Coroner and the potential for involvement by other authorities.”

“The Council recognises that the confirmation, provided by the Commission was, and will continue to be, the cause of upset, being particularly difficult for all with a personal connection to the site. The Council will continue to approach the issue with sensitivity and compassion, while continuing to support the work of the Commission and all relevant parties.”

The Mother and Baby Home Commission’s investigation remains ongoing into 14 Mother and Baby Homes across the country, along with four county homes. Senator O Clochartaigh however outlined that from the outset of the Commission, it was Sinn Fein’s view that the Terms of Reference and the process were “utterly inadequate”. “This has become increasingly clear in recent times. The exclusion of survivors that were not in the listed institutions and the behind closed doors approach, as well as the lack of access to documentation for survivors is unacceptable.

“The Commission of Investigation model is not fit for purpose and Sinn Fein believes that a new model is required.”

He added that there has been a failure to recognise that, though the experiences in Mother and Baby Homes, Magdalene Laundries, Industrial Schools, and other institutions are varied and different, that these issues are intrinsically linked.

“This was a regime, underpinned by an appalling attitude towards women, particularly unmarried women and their children, which manifested itself across the institutions of the state. It is for that reason we are proposing a Truth Commission. This would draw on the best principles of international practice, from South Africa, Chile, Australia, and Canada and apply them here.

“This model would ensure that the voices of all survivors are heard, as too many have been excluded, and heard in a way that gives them dignity, allowing them to trust in the process.”

He added, “‘We are also calling in the motion for the Government to ensure that all Mother and Baby Homes and County Home sites are subject to an injunction preventing structural changes or interference to land where excavations or investigations may be necessary.”

Criminal investigation

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice confirmed last week to the Galway Independent that at the present time no criminal investigation is underway at the site in Tuam.

“At this point the Commission’s investigations in Tuam has found no evidence of suspicious deaths. No criminal investigation is underway. In the course of any coronial investigation, it is open to a coroner to call on the support of the Gardai and any other authorities as he may deem necessary,” reads the statement from the Department.