Dear Editor,
The article “Failure to prevent destruction of records is a further insult to those whose identities were stolen” by Fintan O’Toole, published on 18th June in the Opinion & Analysis section, does a significant job of drawing attention to the precarious existence of the archival records from reformatory schools, industrial schools, Magdalene laundries and mother and baby homes.
Although the Government has plans in place to convert the former Magdalene laundry on Sean McDermott Street, Dublin, into a repository for these records, it has shown no initiative in ensuring the documents are safe until they can be transported and stored there. This could aptly be described as a classic case of the cart being put before the horse.
There is a disturbing chronicle of obfuscation, refusal to cooperate and complete disregard of historical records displayed by both Catholic and Protestant religious orders. These orders, who were given the responsibility of safeguarding vulnerable children and young women, have failed terribly.
Fintan O’Toole suggests the urgent passing of a Bill, akin to the one recently approved in Stormont which safeguards the records of religious institutions in Northern Ireland. This Bill should be passed in both the Dáil and Seanad before they adjourn for the summer break.
Before the end of its term, this legislation should be implemented by the Government. Not only will this be a fitting gesture, but a crucial one too.
Yours sincerely,
Joe Costello,
Dublin 7.