Justice for Bethany

Why were the Irish civil service and the 18 holy orders able to hijack the 2002 Redress Act? The State’s position was set out in the Dáil by the then minister for education, Michael Woods, as to how the homes and institutions would qualify. Over 120 homes and institutions went on the official list and no survivor could receive redress unless their institution was on the official list

of Homes.

There was a provision inserted to cover all homes and survivors — if they were able to provide proof that that their former institution was subject to official inspection and came under the jurisdiction of the State. If they did, that would qualify them and their former residence for inclusion on the official list of homes. All the minister had to do, when survivors of a home or institution were able to make their case, was to inform the Dáil (and it did not have to be voted on) that the home be added to the list of eligible Institutions.