Bessborough decision must bring answers for families – Harmon
Bessborough decision must bring answers for families – Harmon - The Labour Party
Labour Senator Laura Harmon has today welcomed Cabinet approval for Minister Norma Foley to seek the technical, factual documents relating to burials at the site of the former Mother and Baby Institution at Bessborough. Senator Harmon called on the Minister to act urgently so survivors and their families can access information about their loved ones.
Senator Harmon said:
“I welcome this decision. Survivors and families have waited far too long for answers about Bessborough. The Minister should set out a clear timeline for how she will be proceeding with this. Survivors need clear information about what today’s announcement means for them.
“Survivors and the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home Campaign group must also have a meaningful role in decisions about the future of this site. Their knowledge and experience must shape those decisions from the outset.
“I commend Councillor Peter Horgan and my Cork Labour colleagues for their sustained local campaigning, including the successful Cork City Council motion seeking the release of records. They have kept pressure on Government to act alongside survivors and families.
“Minister Foley must now move urgently with the High Court application and explain the next steps directly to families to ensure survivors help shape the future at Bessborough.”