Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 April 2016
42. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a criminal investigation into allegations (details supplied) has been instigated by An Garda Síochána; if the Garda has taken possession of these files; if not, the reasons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7886/16]
View answer43. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the Tuam, County Galway, site has not been cordoned off as a crime scene in view of the information in an article (details supplied). [7888/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 43 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the instigation and management of any criminal investigation is a matter for the Garda authorities, as are any operational steps which might be taken in relation to the gathering and preservation of evidence. I hope the Deputy will appreciate that I have no role in this regard.
The Deputy will also recall that in February 2015 the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs established a Commission of Investigation which has been tasked with thoroughly examining the experience of vulnerable mothers and children resident in Mother and Baby Homes during the period 1922 to 1998, including the arrangements for the placement of children, whether in Ireland or abroad. The work of this Commission is ongoing and the Commission has the necessary powers to comprehensively examine the broad range of public concerns that have been expressed in relation to Mother and Baby homes.
