Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
769. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if clarification will be provided regarding the delay to the mother and baby home report (details supplied); the aspect of Covid-19 that has caused the recent delay; and if an apology will issue to the survivors in this regard. [12363/20]
View answerWhen responding to the question submitted by the Deputy at the start of the month, I accurately noted that the report from the Commission was due on 26th June in accordance with its Terms of Reference. I also indicated that on the date of responding to the question (3 June), Judge Murphy had submitted an update to me in relation to the Commission's progress. I advised that I would need to consider this communication and engage with my Cabinet colleagues as appropriate.
As the Deputy will see from the Seventh Interim Report, which I published on 12 June, the update I received from the Commission highlights that the work of the Commission, like every other activity in Ireland, has been affected by the restrictions imposed as a consequence of Covid-19. As a result, the Commission requested a revision of the timeframe for submitting its final report.
Shortly after I received the Report, I met with two of the Commissioners to discuss their request for additional time. Judge Murphy confirmed that the Commission had been working remotely in an attempt to complete the report before the end of the month. Although the final report is well advanced, Judge Murphy advised that delays had been incurred due to the inevitable logistical challenges related to Covid 19. In seeking an extension of time, the Commission noted that it has sought to factor in the anticipated phased easing of restrictions over this period.
At its meeting on Friday 12 June, the Government subsequently agreed to amend the Commission’s terms of reference to provide for the extension sought. The final report is now due to be delivered on 30 October 2020 at the latest. The Commission has engaged with hundreds of former residents in its work and is attempting to comprehensively analyse information at a level beyond what has ever been possible to date. In agreeing to this further extension, the Government’s priority is to safeguard this substantial work so that the independent Commission can comprehensively address and conclude these crucial matters as expeditiously as possible in accordance with the legislative framework. The Government considers that the public interest is best served by facilitating the Commission to produce an evidence based determination on what happened to vulnerable mothers and children in these institutions.
I know many former residents and their families are deeply disappointed with this delay. However, I also know that they will understand the overwhelming impact which Covid-19 and the associated public health restrictions have had on all our lives. My Department used existing channels of communication to ensure that former residents, their families and supporters were the first to be made aware of the new timeframe ahead of this information appearing in the media.
