The Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, Cllr. Michael Smith, has released a statement on behalf of Tipperary County Council in response to the recently publish Mother & Baby Home Report and, in particular, in relation to Seán Ross Abbey, Roscrea, Co Tipperary, where 1,024 “illegitimate children” died over a 37 year period – a higher number of deaths than was reported in either Tuam Mother & Baby Home, or Bessborough in Cork.
The statement, which was read by Cllr. Smith on Monday’s Council Meeting, refers to the Mother & Baby Homes Commission Report as highlighting “a profound failure of empathy, understanding and compassion over a long period”, and referred to the scandal as “a very dark and disturbing time in our history”, before stating that “society must hold itself to account”.
Cllr. Smith’s statement went on to say that he intends “to hold a special meeting next Monday of this Council to discuss and allow members express their views and consider resolutions. I have also invited Theresa Collins and members of Sean Ross Survivors Group to participate. I want to especially today and most sincerely on your behalf pay tribute to the former residents of Sean Ross. I want to acknowledge their courage and thank them for their testimonies. I am very conscious of the pain involved, particularly for the survivors. They must have our utmost respect and support in their quest for discovery, take the steps to alleviate the burden and ensure that nothing like this happens again”.
