Bethany lack of redress is immoral

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have become the parents of a baby boy. He will never know poverty, will receive the best of care, attention and education, and live a life of inherited wealth and privilege. This wealth and privilege will be handed down to his successors.

On behalf of the people of Ireland, Taoiseach Enda Kenny wished the royal couple and their son well. It was appropriate for him to do so.

What a contrast between life’s expectations for the royal baby and for children born into the Bethany Home in Rathgar. On the day the Taoiseach congratulated the royal couple, the Government ruled out a redress scheme for former residents of the Bethany Home, stating that they “will not be able to access existing compensation funds”.