Vaccine changes inquiry urged

Adoption groups have called for “a full criminal investigation” into the alteration of files relating to vaccine trials at Bessborough Mother and Baby Home.

The Irish Examiner revealed on Tuesday files relating to mothers and children used in the 4-in-1 vaccine trial in 1960/61 were altered in 2002 — just weeks after the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse sought discovery of records from the religious order running the home.

Mari Steed, who was one of the children used for the trial and whose mother’s file was altered, has said she plans to make a formal complaint to both the gardaí and the Data Protection Commission.