Elderly Irish mother and baby home survivors say they can't 'wait' for health benefits programme to be rolled out

Mother and baby home survivors have insisted they have no time to wait for a series of health benefits announced yesterday.

Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone unveiled a number of measures such as GP, counselling and mental health services after a collaborative forum.

And Tuam Mother and Baby Home Alliance spokesperson Breeda Murphy said while they were “delighted”, many of the elderly men and women are dying.

The PRO for the group, who are concerned the recommendations could take months to be made available, said: “Survivors have welcomed that their health needs are being looked after but they need access to the services now.

Ex-employee of mother and baby home recalls how bodies of babies were passed out of window for night-time burials 

“It’s always subject to budgetary requirements and there’s no guarantee of anything.

“We don’t have time on our hands. We only have a limited number of survivors and we are losing them on an annual basis.”

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There are 11 survivors in the newly established Tuam Mother And Baby Home Alliance – 10 from the Tuam Mother and Baby Home and one from Sean Ross Abbey.

Ms Murphy said survivors should have medical cards and be able to fast-track any treatment they need as well as having access to private treatment.