Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020
553. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will reconvene and attend a meeting of the collaborative forum established by his predecessor; and if so, if the 13 items recommended by members of the forum (details supplied) will be included on the agenda. [34838/20]
View answer554. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the report of the Collaborative Forum of Survivors of Mother and Baby, County and Bethany Homes set up by his predecessor, which was delivered in December 2018, will be published; the reason for the two-year delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35149/20]
View answer555. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he plans to reconvene the Collaborative Forum of Survivors of Mother and Baby, County and Bethany Homes set up by his predecessor; if so, when he plans to do so; his further plans to make extra expert resources available to the forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35150/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 553 to 555, inclusive, together.
The Collaborative Forum process, established by my predecessor as a representative advisory body on these issues of priority for former residents and their families and supporters, was unfortunately interrupted by the general election and subsequent change in Government.
In addition, it was necessary to put these meetings on hold in the context of the restrictions introduced in an effort to reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19. A number of members travel from outside the jurisdiction and, given the age profile involved, some members would also be categorised as being in the at risk groups identified by public health authorities.
From our experience to date, it is evident that remote meetings based on the use of technology would present additional challenges for an engagement process as sensitive as this one.
I have previously stated my commitment to establishing renewed engagement with survivors and their advocates, including members of the Collaborative Forum. As an important first step in meeting this commitment, I have personally begun to engage with members of the Collaborative Forum, and other stakeholders.
Not withstanding the continuing logistical challenges, I am determined to investigate in more depth the concerns of all stakeholders, and explore ways that they might be discussed in a manner that is timely, appropriate and that is focused on their needs. I am also exploring the mechanisms to further the engagement and consultation to ensure that they will be central to the formulation and delivery of a comprehensive State response to the recent Report from the Commission of Investigation.
The Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters delivered its final report at the end of last month and I recognise the importance of consultation and dialogue with those who have lived experiences of these institutions. As I have previously stated, arrangements are being advanced to publish this report as soon as possible.
The Collaborative Forum Report was submitted to my department in December 2018. I have made a commitment, as had my predecessor, to revisit the publication of the report, in consultation with the Attorney General's Office, and I intend to honour this commitment.
I am conscious of the significant work undertaken by the Collaborative Forum to identify the priority concerns and needs of survivors and I commend them for their efforts. This work will greatly assist to inform this continuing engagement process.
