Exploring the Legacy of the Commission on Itinerancy (1963): Survey for Irish Traveller Survivors of Institutional Abuse and Their Relatives

3-minute survey on Irish Traveller survivors of Institutional abuse and a state apology

This survey is specifically designed for Irish Traveller survivors of abuse or their relatives, aiming to shed light on their experiences within Irish industrial schools, Magdalene laundries, mother and baby homes, county homes, and other institutions. The “Report of the Commission on Itinerancy”, the first state report on Irish Travellers published in 1963, aimed to address what was perceived as the “problem” of Travellers by proposing measures to separate Traveller children from their parents in an attempt to assimilate them into mainstream society. This report’s language, including the term “Final Solution”, bears chilling similarities to the terminology used by the Nazis during the Holocaust. The phrase “Final Solution” was employed by Nazi leaders to justify their genocidal policies towards the Jewish community. Additionally, parallels can be drawn between the treatment of Travellers in Ireland and the historical injustices faced by indigenous peoples, such as the forced removal of Aboriginal children from their families in Australia.
This survey was created by the community, for the community, with the aim of amplifying the voices of Irish Traveller survivors of abuse and their relatives, affected by past policies and advocating for justice and recognition in the present. The initiative for this survey stems from the efforts of individuals like Laura Angela Collins, the daughter of Mary Teresa Collins, a survivor of institutional abuse, founders of Justice 4 All Women & Children. In 2017, Mary Teresa Collins bravely reported to the Travellers’ Voice that she is seeking justice and answers for Travellers who were forced into State and Church institutions. Mary has been a vocal advocate, calling for a state apology from the Irish government to be issued to the Irish Traveller Community. Her own harrowing experiences include being forced into an abusive institution where she endured mistreatment for being a Traveller, while her mother was forced into a Magdalene laundry and suffered neglect, ultimately dying without receiving the life-saving treatment recommended for her. She was laid to rest in a mass grave, further highlighting the need for acknowledgment and accountability.

Trigger Warning: This survey discusses topics related to institutional abuse, which may trigger strong emotional responses or discomfort for individuals who have experienced trauma. If you feel distressed or overwhelmed while participating in this survey, please prioritise your well-being and consider seeking support from a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. You are not obligated to answer any questions that you find distressing. Your participation in this survey contributes to the ongoing quest for truth, justice, and healing for the Irish Traveller community. Thank you for lending your voice to this important cause.
1.Have you or any of your family members been affected by the policies outlined in the “Report of the Commission on Itinerancy”?
2.Were you or your relatives placed in an Industrial school, Magdalene laundry, Mother and Baby homes, County Homes, or other institutions? (If placed into multiple institutions, please state in order of placement, within the other box)
3.When the placement was made, were you a child or mother? (If you're a relative, please put the relationship in the other box)
4.Have you encountered any lasting effects or trauma as a result of your experiences or the experiences of your family members in these institutions? Had this strengthen your pride in being a Traveller or did the experience make you feel ashamed of who you are?
5.Do you feel you or your relatives were treated differently due to your ethnicity while in these institutions?
6.Do you think there should be a state apology issued towards Irish Travellers for the injustices perpetrated against them as a result of these policies?
7.In your opinion, what steps can be taken to address the historical injustices faced by Irish Travellers and to promote reconciliation and healing within the community?
8.When state inquiries and commissions such as the Child Abuse Inquiry (Ryan Report), Mcaleese Report (Magdalene laundries) & Mother and Baby Home Commission, was ongoing. Were you made aware of these processes and do you feel there was enough information disrupted by state-funded Travellers organisations to our community about these processes?
9.Has yours or your families experiences in the Institutions, impacted your trust in services, such as the Garda (authorities), health providers, social services?