‘Sick to my stomach' Cork TD voices dismay after mother and baby homes legislation passed in Dàil

‘Sick to my stomach' Cork TD voices dismay after mother and baby homes legislation passed in Dàil

The bill was passed by 78 votes to 67 with all but two non-Government TDs opposed.

A controversial Mother and Baby Homes bill which will see records sealed for the next 30 years was passed on Thursday night in a vote that West Cork, Social Democrat TD Holly Cairns said made her “sick to her stomach.” 

The bill was passed by 78 votes to 67 with all but two non-Government TDs opposed.

Posting on Facebook, Ms Cairns said Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman refused to take any of the 60 amendments from TDs to the legislation.

Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the Greens, and some Independents voted in favour of the legislation.

“I am sick to my stomach that the State has let the survivors down yet again. I want to thank everyone who got in touch with me about this and I want you to know that I will keep fighting for justice.

“The amount of emails, phone calls, and letters I have had on the Mother and Baby Homes Records is overwhelming. People want justice and accountability for the survivors of these horrific institutions. Survivors or their families have reached out to me, sharing their stories of suffering which was compounded by years of secrecy.” Sinn Féin TD Pat Buckley said he was gutted for the people involved and said it was an utter disgrace that the legislation was passed.

“This is one of the worst days for Irish Democracy.” Fianna Fáil TD Padraig O’Sullivan said there was an awful lot of misinformation going around and the purpose of the bill was to protect the information that was gathered by the commission of investigation.

“If we didn’t pass the bill, we would lose the data.” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“People are either incredibly confused by the legislation or they are purposely weaponising it and taking advantage of the fact that it is such an emotive issue.”

More in this section

Two men accused of murdering Kieran Quilligan replied 'no comment' when allegations were put to them, court hears Two men accused of murdering Kieran Quilligan replied 'no comment' when allegations were put to them, court hears
Work on 350 unit affordable home development in Cork suburb to start by 2027 Work on 350 unit affordable home development in Cork suburb to start by 2027
Cork court: Phone communications between murder accused outlined at trial Cork court: Phone communications between murder accused outlined at trial

Sponsored Content

Every stone tells a story Every stone tells a story
Want to know what Budget 2026 means for you and your pocket? Use KPMG's Budget calculator Want to know what Budget 2026 means for you and your pocket? Use KPMG's Budget calculator
Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more