Speaking after the Stormont Executive announced an independent investigation into the mother and baby homes and Magdalene laundries between 1922 and 1990, Gerry Carroll MLA said insisted that the demand for a full public inquiry should be met and that victims should not be forced to wait for justice:
“The horrific history of the Mother and Baby Homes and the Magdalene Laundries is a devastating example of the abuse and neglect that was institutionalised here.
“Such cruelty existed in both religious run and state “homes” and was often a direct result of the repressive relationship between Church and state.
“The announcement of an investigation today is a step forward for victims and campaigners, but it doesn’t go far enough. We must see a robust and thorough public inquiry and a real effort to get justice for victims and survivors.
“The powerful and wealthy institutions who are responsible must be held to account for their crimes including banished babies, serious physical and mental abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse and violence. Where necessary, moves must be made to seize their assets in order to provide compensation to survivors.
“Victims have spent years exposing the long catalogue of abuses which were rooted in a cruel culture of repression and misogyny. They should not have to wait any longer for the public inquiry that could deliver the justice and compensation they deserve.
“People Before Profit is calling upon the state north and south to agree terms of compensation for the victims of these practices and to investigate in which cases criminal proceedings might be appropriate.”
ENDS
