Government Statement concerning Bethany Home

At its meeting today, the Government fully reflected on the circumstances of those who where resident in the Bethany Home.

The Government confirmed the view expressed by the Minister for Education and Skills in May 2011, that there was no basis to revisit the previous Government’s decision not to include the Bethany Home within the Residential Institutions Redress Scheme. It also decided that it was not going to introduce a specific scheme for the Bethany Home. Government, however, is willing to look at the question of a memorial and the availability of records with regard to Bethany Home.

Speaking today, Minister Shatter said, “On the 16 April, Minister Lynch and I met with the Bethany Survivors Group to hear first hand about their experiences at Bethany Home. At this meeting, Minister Lynch and I stated that we did not wish to raise unrealistic expectations, but that we were willing to listen with an open mind, and that we would consider the issues in consultation with our Government colleagues. That consultation has now taken place and Government has decided that it is not appropriate that a scheme be put in place for Bethany Home. I understand this is disappointing for the group involved but the Government has taken its time and arrived carefully at this decision.”

The Bethany Survivors Group at their meeting with Ministers Shatter and Lynch strongly indicated that the Magdalen Laundry Scheme was not appropriate to them, a view shared by both Ministers.

Speaking today, Minister Kathleen Lynch added, “Unlike previous governments, this Government has been willing to tackle head-on the historical issues raised by vulnerable groups, including the Magdalen women. I would like to thank the Bethany Survivors Group for meeting with Minister Shatter and I, and I am sorry that the outcome was not what they would have wished. Government has listened carefully to the Bethany Survivors Group and has considered this matter fully. We believe that the decision taken today is the appropriate one.”