Special rapporteur’s latest report examines Covid-19 and mother and baby homes inquiry

Professor Conor O'Mahony

Professor Conor O’Mahony’s second annual report as special rapporteur covers an 18-month reporting period from January 2020 to June 2021.

The report also considers the findings of relevant reports of national and international bodies as well as developments in international law, national court decisions and academic research published during the reporting period.

Children’s minister Roderic O’Gorman said: “I welcome this second annual report from Professor Conor O’Mahony in his role as special rapporteur. As well as providing an objective and independent expert view of the child protection system in Ireland, these reports have been influential in developing policy and legislation across the wider system.

“While progress has been made on many issues, there are others requiring further improvement and I will continue to work with government colleagues and front-line agencies to improve the lives of children and young people in Ireland.”

On mother and baby homes, he added: “I have always said that the commission’s report was not the end point in our engagement with the sad and complex legacy of mother and baby institutions. The action plan published on 16 November outlines the government’s wide-ranging response to the priority needs and concerns of all those who spent time in those institutions.

“The plan includes 22 measures to promote and honour the voice of survivors, enhance access to personal and institutional information, provide for further education and research initiatives, and provide dedicated services to respond to survivors’ current and future needs. In that context, I welcome ongoing engagement and analysis in this area, such as that undertaken by the special rapporteur.”