Kilkenny TD condemns ‘criminal’ leak of Mother and Baby Homes report
A Kilkenny TD has described as “deeply insensitive, inappropriate and appalling” the media leaks from the Mother and Baby Homes report which emerged in the press this weekend, prior to survivors receiving the document.
Deputy Kathleen Funchion also called on the Government to root out the source of the leak and take “appropriate action”.
The Sinn Féin spokesperson on children also contacted Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman asking if the leak has been reported to the gardai, saying the leak “is a criminal offence under the 2004 Act”.
The issue arose after key information from the report, which is due to be given to survivors tomorrow, was leaked to a media outlet and published in Sunday papers, despite Government promises to ensure survivors would be given advanced sight of the report.
“I am absolutely appalled that key elements of the Mother and Baby Homes report have been leaked to the media before survivors and their families have seen the report. This was deeply insensitive, inappropriate and appalling,” said Deputy Funchion.
“Survivors have been subjected to considerable distress and trauma already and the Government has a duty to treat their concerns with respect and sensitivity in order for them to have confidence and trust in this report.
“Survivors had been promised by the Government that they would see the report first, before it was made publicly available. Yet, this promise appears to have been broken.”
Deputy Funchion praised the survivors and those campaigning for the truth about Mother and Baby homes and says the Government must treat them with the dignity they deserve.
She added: “I welcome that the Children’s Minister has condemned this leak. He must now ensure his Department establishes who leaked this document and how, so he can ensure appropriate action is taken.
“The Minister must learn from this and redouble his efforts to respect survivors’ needs and concerns.
“Survivors have shown tremendous dignity, bravery and courage in coming forward to tell their often deeply personal and distressing stories. I commend their courageous pursuit of the truth.”
