Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 October 2018
194. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the investigation into the operation of the mother and baby homes; the date by which this investigation will be complete; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41675/18]
View answer195. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her Department or another Department will provide financial compensation to former residents of the mother and baby homes. [41676/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.
In terms of the status of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, it is important to recognise that the Commission is independent in the conduct of its statutory investigations. I am not therefore in a position to provide detailed progress updates on its work.
The Commission has prepared three Interim Reports to date, in July 2016, September 2016 and September 2017. I have published all three reports and the Commission is continuing with its work under the leadership of Judge Yvonne Murphy, Dr William Duncan and Professor Mary Daly. The Commission is due to submit its final reports in February next year.
It is not possible for a Government to consider a response to an independent statutory investigation, including any question of financial compensation, prior to the Commission submitting its final reports. To date the Commission has made no findings about abuse or neglect in any of the institutions within its terms of reference.
The Commission must be given the opportunity to conclude its investigation and to establish the facts of what happened in and around these institutions. I know that many former residents are eagerly awaiting the completion of this work. As I have indicated previously, when the final reports of the Commission are available the Government will be in a position to comprehensively respond to the full account of the Commission’s conclusions on all matters regarding the experiences of former residents.
In the interim, I have initiated a number of processes to complement the Commission's work. I have established an inclusive and representative Collaborative Forum so that former residents of these institutions can directly engage on the issues of concern to them and their families. I was very happy to meet with the Forum at its first meeting in July. I understand that they have made further progress by establishing sub-committees at their second meeting last month. I have requested an initial report within 6 months and await the outcome of their deliberations.
