Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014
81. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when he expects to formally establish a commission of investigation into mother and baby homes; the budget he will be providing for the Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28012/14]
View answerAs I have outlined to the House today, the Commission of Investigation into concerns relating to the Mother and Baby Homes will be statutory and independent and will operate under the Commission of Investigations Act, 2004. The process of developing detailed terms of reference for the Commission is being supported by a high level Cross Departmental Review Committee. I have received an initial report from the Review Committee in recent days. This work is progressing with a view to Government finalising the Terms of Reference as soon as practicable.
I am deeply aware that there are people living with the daily reality of these painful experiences, so establishing an appropriate inquiry which is capable of effectively addressing these important matters in a sensitive and timely manner is my primary concern. It is my intention to bring a resolution before both Houses in the coming weeks to facilitate the making of an order to formally establish the Commission before the summer recess.
With regard to funding, I am aware of the concerns to ensure that my Department’s resources are not diverted from current supports for children and families to this inquiry. I share these concerns. A key task of the initial scoping exercise is to ensure that a realistic approach is taken to investigate these matters. Our approach should have regard to the facts established through recent inquiries into related institutions, and the general experience gained in conducting similar investigations into matters of public importance.
In tandem with the work to progress the terms of reference I will be engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, with regard to the additional resources that will be required to facilitate this inquiry.
