Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2017
47. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the current work of the commission of investigation on mother and baby homes; the scoping exercise on the terms of reference; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31221/17]
View answerThe Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related matters was established by Government Order on 17 February 2015.
In accordance with its comprehensive Terms of Reference, the Commission is tasked with thoroughly examining the experience of mothers and children resident in 14 named Mother and Baby Homes and a representative sample of County Homes during the period 1922 - 1998. The Commission is required to address seven specific questions on the practices and procedures relating to the care, welfare, entry arrangements and exit pathways for the women and children who were residents of these institutions. The Commission's work is ongoing and it is now more than two years into a three year investigation.
As the Deputy will be aware the Commission is independent in the conduct of its investigations and I have no role in this regard. Therefore I am not in a position to provide progress updates on its investigations.
In relation to milestones to date the Commission submitted its First Interim Report in July 2016. The Government agreed to a request from the Commission to extend the time frame of two of the three Reports the Commission is preparing. The Social History Report and Confidential Committee Report will now be submitted along with the Final Report by February 2018.
A Second Interim Report was submitted by the Commission. This report focuses on a number of issues which had come to the Commission’s attention during its analysis of information and evidence collected up to August 2016. The Report was published in April 2017.
I will introduce enhanced communication arrangements to provide regular updates on the programme of work relating to mother and baby homes and to engage with former residents and their advocates in relation to the issues of concern to them. Starting from July, I plan to publish a monthly update which will be available on my Department’s website on the first Friday of every month.
While the Commission has stated that it is not seeking an extension to its present remit I have indicated that I am open to considering whether broader terms of reference would help to answer some of the questions which have been raised again in public debate. It is essential that this question be examined with a full understanding of the considerable breadth and scope of its current terms of reference.
In accordance with the legal framework under which the statutory Commission was established, it is my intention to consult with the Commission on this matter. I hope to undertake this process during the Summer.
