Disparities in Compensation for Survivors of Ireland's Mother and Baby Homes

The Irish mother and baby institutions payment scheme, which opened in 2024, has created significant disparities for survivors seeking compensation. Rosemary Adaser, a 70-year-old survivor living in Ealing, London, faces the potential loss of £1,000 per month in housing benefits if she accepts compensation. This situation arises from a legal loophole that treats her compensation as cash savings due to its origin from a foreign government, unlike her twin brother, Anthony Adaser, who resides in Ireland and can accept compensation without penalty.

The Guardian

The mother and baby home scandal in Ireland involved the institutionalization of thousands of children born out of wedlock, often subjected to abuse and neglect. Rosemary Adaser and her brother were separated at a young age after being placed in such institutions. The stigma surrounding their births in the 1950s led to their institutionalization, with Rosemary experiencing severe mistreatment throughout her childhood.

The Guardian

Survivors and advocates have criticized the current compensation scheme for its unfairness. Rosemary Adaser expressed her frustration, stating, “This is just another institutional abuse... I’m terrified to apply for compensation, because I need housing benefit to stay independent.” Campaigners are urging the UK government to expedite the introduction of “Philomena’s law,” which aims to protect survivors from losing benefits upon accepting compensation. Despite Prime Minister Keir Starmer's support for the bill, there is currently no legislative timetable, leaving many survivors in limbo.

Birmingham Mail

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, Adaser's lawyer, emphasized the urgency of passing Philomena’s law and called for immediate action to ensure that local authorities do not penalize survivors during the interim period. The Department for Work and Pensions has stated it is “carefully considering” the situation, but many survivors remain anxious about their financial security.

Birmingham Mail

• “How much longer are elderly, distressed survivors expected to wait?” — Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, Lawyer

Birmingham Mail

• “It was also about ensuring that we tackle the stigma and shame that have wrongly followed so many women and their children for so long, and about showing thousands of survivors the kindness and dignity they have so often been denied throughout their lives.” — Liam Conlon, Labour MP

Birmingham Mail

The future of the compensation scheme and the introduction of Philomena’s law remain uncertain. Survivors like Rosemary Adaser continue to advocate for immediate legislative action to prevent further financial distress and to address the historical injustices they have faced. The ongoing discussions in Parliament will be crucial in determining the fate of these vulnerable individuals.

Birmingham Mail