Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Castlepollard institution was owned and run by the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts from 1935 to 1971. By 1937, it was already grossly overcrowded, and by 1941, women and children were sleeping in unheated lofts above stables.

I have real concerns about the numbers relating to Castlepollard in this report, particularly those relating to infant mortality. The report states nine babies died between 1968 and 1970, yet this is contradicted by the midwife who worked there at the time. How can this be explained and where is the truth? How can survivors have confidence that this report gives a true reflection of events when even basic details are incorrect?

There is information on the discharge of 4,072 children relative to a mother, leaving 487 children unaccounted for. If we take deaths into account as established in this report, that leaves 240 children who have no record I can find in this report. That is not acceptable. This couples with the testimony of resident A, who stated she saw deceased babies in shoeboxes being sent for burial. That statement was disregarded in its entirety because of a lack of corresponding records, which is beyond belief. The report states there are no burial records but it also states that it seems likely the children who died are buried in designated burial grounds. That is not fact but supposition. I ask the Minister to take all steps to establish if there are unrecorded deaths and burials on the grounds of the Castlepollard institution.

There are many aspects of the report that are deeply concerning and which relate to Castlepollard. What sticks out most is that 13% of the women, or 646 of them, were below the age of 18 when they entered the premises. There were 278 between the ages of 12 and 16. These are children who went there to give birth. The question must be asked if any of these were reported to the Garda at the time, given the age of consent as established in 1935 was 17.

There can be no doubt the State has failed these women repeatedly. I, for one, commend them on their bravery in coming forward to tell their truth and relive what could only be horrendous experiences. In that regard, this report must be the first step and the catalyst to ensuring these survivors receive proper redress through recognition. This State should now see these women, hear them and support them in their requests.

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