The Taoiseach is making a formal apology to those who were placed in mother and baby homes

Micheal Martin described the statements by survivors contained in the report as painful and distressing

The Taoiseach says the most  striking thing in reading the report is  he shame felt by women who fell pregnant outside of marriage and the stigma attached to their children..

He told the Dail that children born outside of marriage were treated as outcasts in schools and the wider society and he says this was unforgiveable - he told the House that their sense of abandonment is palpable  

The Taoiseach says we must do what we can to show our deep remorse,  understanding and support to the young mothers and children who ended up in Mother and Baby Homes
 

More from Cork