The Mother and Baby Homes Commission Report: Were alternative findings possible?

Alternative report will 'profoundly disagree' with the Commission's approach and findings, and will say the State bears responsibility for not enforcing its own laws to protect the mothers and their babies

A pair of baby shoes placed at the burial site at one of Ireland's mother and baby homes, in Tuam, Co Galway. Picture: Hany Marzouk

On Wednesday, 25 experts will publish an alternative response to the report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes. Here, they outline how and why they undertook this work, and indicate ways they 'profoundly disagree' with the commission's approach and findings

The final report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes was published in January. It promised a new official understanding of the harm suffered by unmarried mothers and their children. Instead, it generated further conflict and harm.