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BBC News Ireland correspondent Chris Page reported that experts have gained access to thousands of records from institutions for unmarried mothers in Northern Ireland. These records are currently under assessment by the Truth Recovery Independent Panel, marking the initial step of an investigation initiated by the devolved government. The ultimate goal is to establish a permanent archive to enable relatives and survivors to explore their history in a single location with the necessary support.
Between the 1920s and the 1990s, over 10,000 women and girls passed through approximately a dozen “mother-and-baby” institutions in Northern Ireland. Additionally, there were three Magdalene Laundries in the region, serving as workhouses where women and girls were compelled to perform demanding tasks. These institutions were predominantly operated by religious organizations. The Panel is preparing to release a report that will contribute to a public inquiry, focusing on allegations of physical and mental abuse as well as forced adoptions.
The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) has collaborated with the Panel to accumulate and safeguard these documents. Senior archivist Joy Carey outlined the preliminary phase of PRONI’s work, which entailed an “archival survey” to identify the volume, storage locations, and state of the records. The assortment comprises entry ledgers, minute books, and maternity notes, among others, some dating back a century. Over 5,500 records have already been digitized, translating to approximately 50,000 unique digital images containing sensitive personal details.
Furthermore, records related to cemeteries, baptisms, hospitals, and mortuaries have been under scrutiny by the team. Dr. Mark Farrell, an expert member of the Panel for archiving, emphasized the creation of a comprehensive permanent archive as a crucial component of facilitating the truth recovery process. He underscored the importance of providing clarity, consistency, and adequate support to relatives and survivors seeking access to their records. The Panel aims to address the historical challenges faced by individuals attempting to retrieve information and navigate through potentially distressing terminology in the documents. Currently, almost 300 individuals have stepped forward to share personal testimonies, shedding light on their experiences within these institutions
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