An Ireland South MEP is urging the Government to fund a modern digital archive system in order to preserve mother and baby home records.
Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion said that “urgent action is needed” to preserve the records.
It comes as Tusla acknowledged that the current database is built on unsupported legacy software, which is not fit for long-term preservation.
“It is deeply concerning that the database holding such important and personal records is not fit for purpose,” said MEP Funchion.
“Behind each record is a person and a family. It is important that these records are preserved to ensure they are accessible to the relevant people.
“Survivors from mother and baby institutions have been through so much already. The least they deserve is for their records to be stored securely and that they can access them without barriers.”
MEP Funchion confirmed that she has written to Minister Norma Foley about introducing a digital archive system in order to protect the records.
“The government must act urgently to ensure that these records are preserved, protected and made accessible for survivors and future generations who may come looking for answers,” she said.
“I have written to the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, calling on her to ensure this necessary action is taken without delay.
“A modern digital archive system is essential to safeguard these records with the dignity, care and transparency they deserve.”