President Micheal D Higgins yesterday signed the Mother and Baby Homes Bill into law yesterday. This permits the sealing of the records for 30 years as per 2004 legislation. While the president expressed concerns over elements of the bill, he added that it was not a constitutional issue so did not warrant referral to the Supreme Court. Protestors gathered outside Áras an Uachtaráin to demonstrate what they say is a continuation of Ireland's silencing of women's trauma and abuse at the hands of the state.

Ruth Coppinger gives us her reaction and analysis.