Comhar Policy Bulletin Spring 2026
Philomena’s Law
End-of-life Care and the Irish Community
Traveller Movement report in London EDI strategies
New Passport restrictions
Memorial unveiled in Belfast for victims and survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse
Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse (COSICA) Consultation on Supports and Services
Irish in Britain statement on Jim Ratcliffe’s comments
Voices of Courage: New Podcast from the Special Advocate for Survivors of Institutional Abuse
Academic Symposium at Museum of the Home
Philomena's Law
We are delighted that the British Government has announced that it will implement Philomena’s Law.
This legislation will ensure that the redress paid to survivors of Ireland’s Mother and Baby and County Homes as part of the payment scheme which opened two years ago won’t be taken into account for means-tested benefits in Britain.
An estimated 13,000 survivors eligible to apply to the scheme live in Britain and this will make a real difference to them now and in the future.
We are continuing discussions with government ministers and the Irish Embassy on this issue as details of the legislation are fleshed out.
We urge anyone who is eligible to apply to the payment scheme, and to contact the Response Freephone Line for any support with that application: 0800 519 5519, open 10am – 4pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
End-of-life Care and the Irish Community
Last month we launched our report Sing Our Own Song on end-of-life care for the Irish in Britain, the culmination of a year-long national consultation as part of the Meitheal Muintire project.
The report’s findings demonstrate the need for trauma-informed, community-led and culturally-sensitive approaches in health and social care at the end of life, and to accommodate specific customs and rituals associated with Irish mourning practices.
It draws on evidence from community consultations in addition to academic studies, identifying persistent gaps in culturally-competent care at the end of life and after death.
The report highlighted specific and often unmet needs among Irish LGBT+ people, survivors of institutional abuse and Irish Travellers.
You can read the page turner version of the report HERE or download the PDF version HERE.
Traveller Movement Pan-London Evaluation Report
The Traveller Movement has published Pan-London Evaluation: Inclusion of Romani (Gypsy), Roma, Irish and Scottish Traveller Communities In Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategies, a report into London Boroughs’ Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) work.
Gathering data from nine different boroughs, it shows that Romani (Gypsy), Roma, Irish and Scottish Traveller communities are being left behind due to lack of reliable data (including inconsistent and outdated modes of assessment), systemic barriers preventing equitable provision and not enough meaningful collaboration. This has led to poor and unequal outcomes in housing, education, health, youth and community services.
The report can be read HERE.
New Passport Restrictions
Although Irish passport holders are exempt from the British Government’s new immigration restrictions on dual nationals effective 25 February 2026, some airlines including Aer Lingus have changed their requirements and now ask for travellers to use a passport rather than other forms of photo ID.
The Irish Government advice is to check with your travel company regarding their requirements before travelling.
Global Irish Civic Forum 2026
The 4thGlobal Irish Civic Forum will take place in Croke Park, Dublin on 30 April and 1 May 2026. The Irish government is currently undertaking a broad consultation on its new diaspora strategy which will be launched at the Forum. It will be attended by invited representatives of Irish community organisations based overseas.
Further details about the Forum can be found HERE.
Memorial unveiled in Belfast for victims and survivors
The First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly unveiled a memorial plaque at Stormont to honour victims and survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse on Friday 20 February.
Survivors of children’s homes and other residential institutions were present at the ceremony, along with the Commissioner for the Survivors of Childhood Institutional Abuse Fiona Ryan who paid tribute to the “courage and conviction” of campaigners.
The memorial was a recommendation from Northern Ireland Executive’s Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry, in addition to the creation of a redress board and compensation scheme which closed to applications in April 2025.
Report on Consultation on Supports and Services
The Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse Fiona Ryan, representing and promoting the interests of victims and survivors who were abused as children in residential institutions in Northern Ireland between 1922 and 1995, has published a report of a recent consultation on supports and services for victims and survivors.
These findings provide valuable insights into the self-reported health and wellbeing of victims and survivors, taking in physical and mental health, housing, residential care, family and social related needs, individual support needs and future needs.
It sets out the profound impact of institutional child abuse on survivors’ physical and mental health and the need for lifelong services.
Read the full report HERE.
Irish in Britain statement on Jim Ratcliffe’s comments
Irish in Britain published a rebuttal to Jim Ratcliffe’s inflammatory comments about migration.
"Responsible leadership should be grounded in history and evidence. If Mr Ratcliffe stepped outside of the boardroom and took a walk through the streets of Manchester, Liverpool or Leeds, he would see migrant organisations strengthening community connection every day."
You can read the full statement HERE.
Voices of Courage: New Podcast from the Special Advocate
The Special Advocate for Survivors of Institutional Abuse, Patricia Carey, has launched a new podcast series exploring the experiences of survivors of institutional abuse. One of the first voices featured is Katie Doyle, Manager of the Survivors Integrated Service at the London Irish Centre.
You can listen to the podcast HERE.
Academic Symposium at Museum of the Home
The Museum of the Home is hosting an academic symposium connected to the London-Irish room in their Rooms Through Time gallery. The event, open to all, is taking place at the Museum on 1April.
Further details and ticketing information can be found HERE.
These Policy bulletins are sent quarterly. Any queries, or if you wish to include any updates, please contact Policy and Research Manager Rosa Gilbert: policy@irishinbritain.org