Ms Evon Brennan:

Our stories are the proof. Our racial sufferings were compounded and we had additional burdens placed upon us. Our report is detailed, accurate and particularly evidence-based and has taken us two years to complete. Racial injury is different to the injuries that other children experienced in the institutions. Old research shows the mindset of missionaries who went to Africa during the 18th century to civilise the barbarians. Our research suggests the mindset in Ireland while we were in care was to control us hot-tempered savages, to tame and civilise our temperaments, and to get rid of our blackness by dousing talcum powder on us. Our research shows there was no person qualified in race relations. No programme was set up and no attempt was made to discuss our history. This shows immediately an indifference to mixed-race Irish. We are adamant not to devalue the sufferings of other children who were raised in institutions, but our racial sufferings are unique and specific to us. As explained, it is not possible for us to give specific details as this is too traumatic. Each time we bring this into the open, we open ourselves to the horrors of our past and we wish to minimise this trauma in this setting.