IN the late 1960s a child arrived at Pelletstown mother and baby home in Navan Road, Dublin, on the recommendation of a paediatrician. The child had been placed for adoption but was being returned . A note said the child s adoptive mother was reluctant to keep baby. she considers him retarded. Admit to St Patrick s Home .
Two years later the child was declared of average intelligence and well suited to adoption or boarding . A letter from a Pelletstown medical officer to the Adoption Board said his initial backwardness was due to environmental conditions .
The final report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes documents the shameful treatment of mothers and their children born out of wedlock.