Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2015
160. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there will be a separate and distinct module for those of mixed race, as part of the mother and baby homes inquiry, that is explicitly focused on experiences of racism in institutions; and his views that, without implementing this module, the inquiry will be incapable of properly acknowledging the existence of, and consequences of, such abuse. [7708/15]
View answerThe Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related matters was established by Government on the 17th February 2015.
The comprehensive Terms of Reference for this investigation will thoroughly examine the experience of mothers and children who were resident in Mother and Baby Homes and a representative sample of County Homes. The Commission is required to address issues related to the practices and procedures regarding the living conditions, care, welfare, entry arrangements and exit pathways for residents of these institutions. In particular, I would refer the Deputy to Section 1 (VIII) of the Terms of Reference in which Government has tasked the Commission with identifying the extent to which any group of residents may have systematically been treated differently on any grounds, including religion, race, traveller identity or disability.
In accordance with the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, it is essential to recognise that a Commission is independent in the performance of its functions. It is a matter for the Commission to decide how best to conduct the various modules of its investigations. As the Minister with responsibility for overseeing administrative arrangements for this Commission I have no role in decisions relating to the conduct of the investigation. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment further in respect of the matters raised by the Deputy.
