Survivors to apply for representation opportunities on NCRR
The voice and views of survivors and affected persons will be at the heart of the National Centre for Research and Remembrance (NCRR).
It will be a national memorial to honour equally all those who were residents in Mother and Baby Homes, industrial schools, reformatories, Magdalene Laundries and related institutions.
Applications are invited from survivors and affected persons who are interested in the four positions available on the National Centre for Remembrance steering group to be part of the decision-making process.
In County Westmeath, Ireland, there were several Industrial Schools and Reformatory Schools. Notable examples include the Industrial School in Mullingar, run by the Sisters of Mercy, and the Reformatory School in Streete.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley has encouraged survivors to apply for representation opportunities in three key structures.
National Centre for Remembrance steering group is a direct response to the feedback received from a series of in-person engagement events with survivors that were held in Dublin, Galway, Cork and London between October 2024 and February 2025, as well as an online event.
There are opportunities for survivors to join the National Museum of Ireland’s Lived Experience expert panels for the National Centre for Remembrance so that the vision to honour all survivors equally and authentically in the National Centre is achieved.
There are also up to 35 positions available for survivors on the Special Advocate for Survivors Advisory Council.
Expressions of interest in these positions are invited from Survivors and Affected Persons of:
Industrial School Institutions and Reformatory Institutions
Magdalen Laundries
Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions
Boarded out arrangements
Historic adoption practices and illegal birth registration
Any of the above who live overseas
Minister Foley is encouraging survivors to consider these opportunities.
“It is essential that the voice and views of survivors and affected persons are at the heart of the development of the National Centre. I am keen to ensure that there is the best possible representation on the steering group for the National Centre for Remembrance. I was pleased to secure agreement at Cabinet earlier this summer for survivor representatives to have their places on the group and would encourage people to apply for these positions and for the creative panels being established by the National Museum of Ireland.’’
“Since her appointment, the Special Advocate has engaged with over 1,200 people both here in Ireland and abroad. She is now moving to establish an Advisory Council of Survivors to support her in her ongoing work. I would like to thank survivors and former residents for their continued engagement with the Special Advocate, and encourage them to consider applying for the Advisory Council. It is only through ongoing engagement that we can ensure the voices of survivors continue to be a central input in government deliberations which affect them.”
Anyone who is interested in these opportunities should complete the Expression of Interest Form here. People can express an interest in more than one position, if they wish to do so.