Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 January 2018
161. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there has been progress on her proposal to examine a transitional justice approach to deal with the legacy of mother and baby homes. [3585/18]
View answerIt is important to note that the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes is a vital step on the path we have commenced to achieve a holistic truth. The Commission is continuing to do the valuable work it was established to do.
In parallel to the Commission's work, it is my wish to adopt a transitional justice approach through developing measures to support and empower former residents of these institutions and their families. I am progressing a number of initiatives in this regard to facilitate an appropriate way forward in our response to what are hugely complex and sensitive matters.
In June and October of last year two facilitated meetings were held with former residents of Mother and Baby Homes. A key ask that emerged from these meetings was that of “nothing about us without us”. My recent announcement of the establishment of a Collaborative Forum for former residents is a direct response to this wish by former residents.
The Forum will enable former residents to identify, discuss and prioritise the issues of concern to them, and facilitate them to make recommendations for actions and solutions. I published a Charter for the Collaborative Forum which describes its structure, scope and working methodology.
The Forum will examine specific themes on a modular basis to facilitate it in making recommendations to me. The Forum will explore a wide number of practical issues including: issues dealing with respectful and inclusive terminology and language; strategies to undo stigma and raise public awareness; identifying and sharing good practice in peer to peer support activities; access to professional counselling services and other specific health and personal social services; memorialisation which acknowledges and recognise past events; and documenting and presenting personal narratives of former residents and their relatives to ensure an archive of material is created and preserved. I will be making an announcement with further details on this Forum shortly.
In addition, the Government has agreed to invite Mr. Pablo de Greiff, UN Special Rapporteur, to assist Ireland in our response to issues related to former Mother and Baby homes and I am working with my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to arrange this invitation.
Improving communication with former residents continues to be a priority of mine as I believe that open and consistent communication on the matters of concern is essential while the Commission continues with the work that it was established to do. My Department has increased its focus on communication by establishing an e-zine update which is posted on the Mother and Babies Homes section of my Department's website on the first Friday of every month. In this way everyone has access to the same information at the same time.
My department has also established a dedicated phone line and email address to facilitate direct communications with my Department by interested parties.
