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Statement of Support for Philomena’s Law
Dear All,
As the Special Advocate for Survivors of Institutional Abuse appointed by the Irish Government, I am acutely aware of how critical Philomena’s Law is for so many people living in Britain who spent time in Ireland’s Mother and Baby Institutions as mothers and children.
It is unconscionable that any survivors who receive redress would be further penalised by having their essential benefits affected.
I welcome the historic introduction of Philomena’s Law, noting its importance for Survivors of Ireland’s Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions, living in Britain announced by the Taoiseach and UK Prime Minister at the UK-Ireland Summit on 13 March 2026.
For thousands of survivors living in Britain, this removes a deeply worrying situation that had forced many to choose between accepting long-awaited redress for the abuse they experienced, or retaining the financial support they rely on through means-tested benefits
Thank you for taking the time to read this important update.
Kind regards,
Patricia
Special Advocate for Survivors welcomes the historic introduction of Philomena’s Law, noting its importance for Survivors of Ireland’s Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions, living in Britain
March 2026
“I am acutely aware of how critical this historic disregard will be for Survivors living in Britain who spent time in Ireland’s Mother and Baby Institutions. It is testament to Philomena Lee and her courage that this important Law is named after her.”
In her role as the Special Advocate for Survivors of Institutional Abuse appointed by the Irish Government, Patricia Carey welcomes the important announcement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the UK-Ireland Summit today in Cork regarding Philomena’s Law and the overdue introduction of an ‘indefinite capital disregard’ for redress payments made to Survivors of Ireland’s Mother and Baby Institutions living in Britain.
Patricia Carey said:
“I am acutely aware of how critical this historic disregard will be for Survivors living in Britain who spent time in Ireland’s Mother and Baby Institutions. It is testament to Philomena Lee and her courage that this important Law is named after her.”
The Special Advocate is extremely concerned at the low take up for the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme by Survivors living in Britain and hopes that this announcement will provide assurance to Survivors living in Britain who feared applying to this redress scheme due to being penalised by having their essential benefits cut.
She strongly encourages all eligible Survivors living in Britain to apply for redress they may be entitled under the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme.
Patricia Carey said:
“It is unconscionable that redress for mothers and people born in Ireland’s Mother and Baby Institutions would cause further harm and financial hardship for Survivors. I am aware from engaging directly with Survivors living in Britain, that this situation has resulted in a lot of fear and anxiety for people, who are understandably concerned about the impact of accepting redress on their means-tested social benefits. As a direct result, some Survivors decided not to apply for the redress they are entitled to or declined to accept their compensation of because of these valid fears.
The Special Advocate commends Liam Conlon MP and his team for bringing forward this important, timely and much needed legislation. The ongoing invaluable work being undertaken by Irish in Britain, London Irish Centre, Frea – Renewing Roots, ICAP, Coventry Irish Society and other survivor support organisations in Britain in relation to the Philomena’s Law campaign must also be acknowledged.
Statement from the Special Advocate for Survivors in support of Philomena’s Law
February 2026
“We must ensure that those hurt in the past do not suffer again”
As the Special Advocate for Survivors of Institutional Abuse appointed by the Irish Government, I am acutely aware of how critical Philomena’s Law is for so many people living in Britain who spent time in Ireland’s Mother and Baby Institutions as mothers and children.
It is unconscionable that those who now receive redress would be further penalised by having their essential benefits affected.
A Human Rights-based approach is required to ensure equal access to redress and supports and services for all Survivors.
The principle of ‘Leaving No One Behind’, equality and fairness should underpin all redress measures including financial redress.
Liam Conlon MP and his team are to be commended for bringing forward this important, timely and much needed legislation.
I wish to also acknowledge the ongoing invaluable work being undertaken by Irish in Britain, London Irish Centre, Frea- Renewing Roots, ICAP, Coventry Irish Society and other survivor support organisations in Britain in relation to the Philomena’s Law campaign.
We must ensure that those hurt in the past do not suffer again.
Useful Links and Additional Information
What is Philomena’s Law?
Liam Conlon MP proposed new legislation called ‘Philomena’s Law’ to support survivors of Ireland’s Mother and Baby Homes who live in Britain.
This Bill will protect up to 13,000 survivors of Ireland’s Mother and Baby Homes living in Britain from losing vital means-tested benefits.
It would introduce what is called an ‘indefinite capital disregard’ for payments made to survivors from Ireland’s Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme who live in Britain. Currently someone who accepts a redress payment from the scheme may lose their ability to claim means-tested benefits. Philomena’s Law would ensure that any payment from this scheme does not affect eligibility to means-tested benefits.
The campaign takes its name from Philomena Lee, a Survivor of a Mother and Baby Institution, Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea, whose decades-long search for her son who was taken from her brought global attention to the experiences of women and children in the institutions. Her story reached an international audience through the Oscar-nominated film Philomena.
Irish in Britain
Visit the Irish in Britain website to learn more about Philomena’s Law The campaign for Philomena’s Law – Irish in Britain
You can also check out a video produced by Irish In Britain with Irish actor Siobhán McSweeney discussing on the importance of Philomena’s Law and how you can support this work below.
Media Articles
RTE News (11 February 2026) Call for Government to support UK’s ‘Philomena Law’
RTE News (10 June 2025) UK govt considering whether to support Philomena’s Law
RTE News (25 June 2025) More than 100 MPs sign letter backing Philomena’s Law
Supporting Documents
Download a copy of the the Special Advocate’s statement on Philomena’s Law below.