THE publication of the report of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation, cataloguing the horrendous abuse and exploitation handed out to tens of thousands of women over the decades by religious institutions — of both main religious faiths — lays bare the violence and repressive attitudes that have been inflicted on women in general here in Ireland.

Those forces that secured their victory and established the Irish Free State were more than willing to hand over many critical services that the people needed to religious orders, including health and education and much more, creating a culture of dependence and fear.

The state and the Establishment parties of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail built a close relationship with the Catholic Church in particular to ensure the social and political stability of the state and to maintain the economic and political status quo.