Letters to the Editor: Fergus Finlay is right — justice system fails to protect vulnerable people

Fergus Finlay's recent column expressed frustration on behalf of people such as mother and baby home survivors and the families of children with scoliosis

In response to Fergus Finlay's column, Pat Kenny in Mullingar writes: 'Creating a citizens’ assembly with binding powers, tasked with proposing changes within 12 months, funded at €10m, makes sense.' File picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

I recently read Fergus Finlay’s article, (‘Ireland is set up to deny truth’, Irish Examiner, April 15) and I am deeply moved by his critique of our justice system’s failure to protect the vulnerable. His examples — families of children with scoliosis and mother and baby home survivors — highlight a systemic bias that shields the powerful while delaying truth for victims. I agree with his frustration and believe urgent reform is needed.

Creating a citizens’ assembly with binding powers, tasked with proposing changes within 12 months, funded at €10m, makes sense. This body could design an independent accountability commission to investigate swiftly and transparently, avoiding the adversarial trauma Fergus Finlay describes. I also support a no-fault compensation scheme and time-limited inquiries (two to three years) with victim support, streamlining justice and cutting costs compared to decades-long tribunals.