Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
1933. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress to date by the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes; if they have extended their investigation to include other institutions and facilities not on the original list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25537/16]
View answerThe Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related matters was established by the Government in February 2015. The Commission is working to thoroughly examine the experience of mothers and children resident in Mother and Baby Homes and a representative sample of County Homes.
As an independent statutory inquiry, the Commission has been given broad scope to examine a wide range of public concerns, to decide on their importance to the Commission’s work, and to make any recommendations on them as it sees fit. Under its existing terms of reference, the Commission is required to report on any specific matters outside its scope which it considers may warrant further investigation in the public interest as part of the Commission’s work. The Government will consider any recommendations made by the Commission in this regard.
The Deputy will wish to note that the Commission of Investigation does not have the power to extend its terms of reference.
