Survivors Call for End to «Exclusion Pattern» in State Redress Schemes

Survivors of institutional abuse are urging the Government to end a «pattern of exclusion» across State redress schemes, with thousands still denied compensation and support, according to the Special Advocate for Survivors Office.

Concerns were raised at a press conference about survivors being retraumatized by existing systems due to restrictive eligibility criteria. Patricia Carey, the Special Advocate, highlighted barriers, lack of awareness, and unequal treatment. The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme's 180-day rule was criticized, excluding individuals like Noel Manning, who spent less than six months in eligible institutions. Manning, born in Bessborough Mother and Baby Home, was deemed «ineligible,» stating he was excluded for not being in the «right institution for the right amount of time.»

The exclusion of an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 children «Boarded Out» between the 1920s and 1970s, who suffered abuse and forced labor, was also highlighted. Ms. Carey emphasized that a State apology without financial redress is «meaningless.» Poor promotion of the Magdalene Redress Scheme means only 900 have applied, despite 10,000 to 12,000 women being incarcerated. Additionally, support for Industrial and Reformatory School survivors is limited to those who previously received redress under the Residential Institutions Redress Scheme, excluding thousands.

Under the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act 2023, Minister Norma Foley must review its operation, with the first review due by September. Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion called for the review to scrap the six-month exclusion rule for Mother and Baby Home survivors and include «Boarded Out» children and mixed-race children.