Inquiry and redress scheme for survivors of abuse in psychiatric institutions: Clarke

Sinn Féin spokesperson on mental health Deputy Sorca Clarke has called on the government for a full public inquiry and a survivor-centred redress scheme for those who were abused in Ireland’s psychiatric institutions.

Irish psychiatric institutions have been alleged of neglect, abuse, forced labour and trauma to the patients by the staff for decades. The Longford/Westmeath TD said: “The testimonies of survivors of abuse and neglect in Ireland’s former psychiatric institutions are deeply distressing. They expose a shameful chapter in our history where vulnerable people were abused, silenced and failed by the very institutions entrusted with their care.”

She added that the survivors have carried this trauma for decades, yet many still await accountability and justice. “Their courage in coming forward deserves more than words of sympathy. It demands meaningful action from the State.

“We cannot repeat the mistakes of previous processes that left survivors feeling excluded and unheard. The Government has a responsibility to acknowledge these systemic failures and guarantee that these injustices are never repeated.

“I am again calling on the government to commit to a full public inquiry and a survivor-centred redress scheme for those who were abused in Ireland’s psychiatric institutions. I don’t believe survivors and families of survivors deserve anything less.”