As a long time resident of Germany, I’ve seen how a country can reckon with its dark past in a constructive way. And it’s not simply a matter of saying “society did this” (1/6)

It involves an investigation and subsequent trials, which hold individuals and institutions accountable. (2/6)

There must be a public education strategy for all citizens, so that everyone can understand what happened, how it happened, and how to make sure it never happens again. (3/6)

Monuments must be erected to mark the atrocities and provide locations for public mourning. Museums must be built so we can educate visitors and fund further research and analysis. (4/6)

The Mother & Baby Homes are as much a part of our history as the famine and our fight for independence. To continue to play down their horror and the state’s involvement is irresponsible and dangerous. (5/6)

These women have been blamed for so long. It’s time for the State and the Catholic Church to acknowledge that they were victims, horrifically and tragically failed by the institutions that should have cared for and supported them when no one else did. (6/6)

It is also worth noting that the legacy of these institutions lives on in the cruel and unjust Direct Provision system. If you have no alternative, then you are forced. #EndDirectProvision

More info and resources are available via @clann_project http://clannproject.org/commission-report/