Galway Bay fm newsroom - The Association of Catholic Priests has issued a statement on the discovery of infant remains at the former site of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home.
It says the revelation, though widely predicted, provokes a sense of sadness and shame that the precious relationship between mother and child could be so disrespected by institutions of church and state.
The statement adds the culture of Ireland during the period concerned made it acceptable for pregnant, unmarried girls to be treated so shamefully.
It reads that it will be argued, with some cause, that the Catholic Church was not entirely to blame - but continues to say that the church must take a large degree of responsbility given it's dominant position at the time.
The statement concludes that there is still a long way to go before women are treated with equal respect and dignity in the Catholic Church.
Redemptorist priest and co-founder of the Association Tony Flannery says the Tuam case throws up a number of unanswered questions, including the involvement of priests from the diocese.
