One could argue that Minister O’Gorman has launched what he says he fears most, a culture war, with the first shots fired by him. A commitment from Stormont to launch an inquiry into mother and baby homes in Northern Ireland has been hailed as a “watershed moment” by Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill.
The Northern Irish Executive is committed to the “unequivocal and full implementation” of the recommendations set forth by an expert panel, which included measures such as a public inquiry and redress scheme.
The panel also suggested the establishment of an independent panel to hear from those who were sent to the institutions, as well as their families.
Meanwhile, Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman sought approval from Government for a redress scheme for survivors of mother and baby and county homes.
Minister O’Gorman said in a letter to the survivors on Friday that the scheme is intended to acknowledge the suffering they endured while resident in the homes.
The scheme is to be worth €800 million, will include an enhanced medical card, and is expected to be put in place by the end of 2022, according to the minister.
Information regarding the scheme will be shared with former residents by email, as well as being shared on the department’s website.