SF to propose Truth Commission into mother-and-baby homes

A Sinn Féin Deputy has published a Dáil motion which will be debated this week, calling for a Truth Commission to establish the facts about Ireland's mother-and-baby homes.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said that the revelations of recent weeks at Tuam, and subsequent reports, have shocked and angered Irish people.

He says survivor groups have also criticised "behind-closed-doors hearings" and he believes we need to shine a light on the historic mistreatment of women and children in Ireland.

"Since the foundation of the State, there's no doubt that there was underpinned by an attitude towards women, particularly unmarried women, and their children, a lack of respect, and indeed neglect and maltreatment."

"And that manifested itself in a wide variety of institutions - the mother-and-baby homes is a significant example of it, but it goes right across the system."