Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
39. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration his position and actions either taken by his Department or scheduled for the future on archival infrastructure to ensure truth for mother and baby homes. [31365/20]
View answerThe Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes was established in 2015 in order to examine what happened to the women and children who spent time in these institutions.
The Commission now is due to submit its final report by 30th October 2020. I know it has been a long and difficult wait for many but we are now rapidly approaching the point where these matters can be examined by all.
The Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 dictates that the evidence of the Commission be deposited with the prescribed Minister in a sealed form and must remain so for a period of 30 years, pending its transfer to the National Archives.
The Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters) Records, and another Matter, Bill 2020 that I am currently progressing, aims to avail of the opportunity to safeguard an invaluable database so that it is not destroyed or put beyond reach but, rather, can be used to support future information and tracing services.
The Bill also aims to ensure that the entire Commission archive will be preserved in full so that future generations can benefit further from the important work of the Commission. It is important to note that the majority of the archive is made up of copies of documents received from a number of public bodies such as the HSE, Tusla, Local authorities as well as Diocesan records.
I recognise that the issue of access to birth and early life information has long been a contentious issue for those who have tried to find the truth of their origins. I am absolutely committed to addressing the wider matter of providing a new architecture surrounding access to birth information and tracing.
I am aware that interesting proposals have been developed in relation to the potential development of a national archive of institutional abuse at the former Seán McDermott Street Laundry.
While this is a matter worthy of further discussion, I am mindful that it is a complex matter which extends beyond my own Department. It would require detailed consideration and extensive engagement, both with other Government colleagues and Departments, and with a large number of statutory bodies and stakeholder groups.
I am also conscious that the Government will wish to consider the final report of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation prior to considering its overall response to issues of this nature.
However, I do welcome the further engagement with all stakeholders that will undoubtedly happen at a future date in relation to archiving, memorialisation and remembrance.
