Sean Ross Abbey in Co Tipperary is one of the former mother and baby homes covered under the compensation scheme. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, the Justice for Magdalenes Research and Clann Project groups have already criticised the limitations of the scheme.I want to give the 796 children buried at Tuam their dignity and, if we can, an identity “It is restrictive in every way possible. It is based on business and cost and has absolutely nothing to do with justice or what is right,” she said.
Highlighting some of the difficulties, the Galway West TD said “the Government is insisting, for example, that people have photo ID. When they ring up to ask about that, they are told there is no way out of it. “Where a person does not have photo identification, that will be dealt with empathetically and on a case-by-base basis.”
The scheme, which opened on Wednesday, will provide financial payments and health supports to those who are eligible.