AN INDEPENDENT investigation into Mother and Baby homes in Northern Ireland will be carried out, the Executive has agreed.
This moves follows the publication of the research report on historical Mother and Baby Homes and Magdalene Laundries which operated between 1922 and 1990.
The extensive research was undertaken by a team of academics from Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University.
It gives an account of individual and collective experiences of the institutions and highlights the need for further examination of a number of important issues, including adoption and infant mortality rates.
Ministers have agreed that the independent investigation should be shaped by survivors through a co-design process, which will be facilitated by experts and completed within six months.
SEE MORE: Mother and Baby Homes: At least 136 Fermanagh women attended homes in Republic
The research found that around 10,500 women were admitted to Mother and Baby institutions, and around 3,000 women were admitted to Magdalene Laundries between 1922 and 1990 – the period covered by the research.
It examined eight Mother and Baby Homes, a number of former workhouses, and four Magdalene Laundries.
The last Mother and Baby institution closed in 1990; the last Magdalene Laundry in 1984.
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