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Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 November 2020

Wednesday, 11 November 2020

Questions (169, 171)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

169. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the actions his Department has taken since he took office to engage with the collaborative forum. [35644/20]

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Kathleen Funchion

Question:

171. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the groups his Department has contacted regarding the mother and baby homes legislation; and the dates when his Department made contact. [35646/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 171 together.

In the course of developing the Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related matters) Records, and another Matter, Bill 2020, it was recognised that the compressed timeframe available to bring the legislation through the Houses, to ensure that the records could be protected ahead of the dissolution of the Commission, was a cause of concern as it would limit the opportunities for consultation. I do accept and sincerely regret the genuine hurt and concern felt by many survivors in relation to the levels of engagement and communication during this process.

My Department has a long standing practice of engagement with stakeholders on matters in relation to the Commission of Investigation. I can confirm that the General Scheme and Heads of Bill were circulated at the initiation of the legislative process to the stakeholders who engage with my Department.

In addition, I did engage with opposition Deputies and Senators prior to the Bill being initiated in each of the Houses. As would be expected there was contact with the Attorney General and his Office and liaison and the Data Protection Commissioner to explore the data protection complexities.

I am committed to ensuring that on-going engagement and consultation with former residents, their families and advocates now and into the future will be central to the formulation and delivery of a comprehensive State response on all matters related to the Mother and Baby Homes issues.

During 2020, the members of the Forum have been appraised of developments and updated on matters related to the Commission of Investigation by the Secretariat to the group. It is the practice and policy of my Department to issue updates and announcements to the Forum and other relevant stakeholders before they are issued more generally.

Notably, with regard to the Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters) Records, and another Matter, Act 2020, the Forum and other stakeholders were the first to receive news of the Government's support for the development of legislation to address the difficulties and opportunities raised by the Commission, and subsequent development related to publication of the Bill.

The Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters has now submitted its final report, and I recognise the importance of consultation and dialogue with those who have lived experiences of these institutions. I have commenced direct engagement with Forum members and other former residents and their advocates. I am fully committed to ensuring that the voices of survivors are heard and that they will be central to the formulation and delivery of a comprehensive State response to the Commission’s final report.

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