Máiréad Enright: Philomena's Law is welcome — but survivors are still being let down

A bill proposes to let UK-based survivors of Irish mother and baby homes access the redress scheme without losing benefits. But those most in need will find it hardest to benefit

Philomena Lee at Dublin's Mansion House for the Pride of Ireland awards in 2014. British Labour MP Liam Conlon named his bill 'Philomena's Law' in her honour. Picture: Niall Carson/PA  

Last week, British Labour MP Liam Conlon introduced a bill in the House of Commons to facilitate the development of what he calls ‘Philomena’s Law’.

The bill’s title honours Philomena Lee, who spent three years in Sean Ross Abbey, giving birth to her son Anthony there in 1952. Conlon estimates that some 13,000 people eligible for redress under the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme live in Britain.