Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Wednesday, 2 December 2020

Questions (100, 104)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

100. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a chair will be appointed to the collaborative forum. [40719/20]

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104. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to reconvene the collaborative forum to discuss a pathway forward immediately after the publication of the report; if so if the discussion will include stakeholders who currently do not sit on the forum membership; and if he will consider the inclusion of other groups. [40723/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 104 together.

I am committed to strong and ongoing engagement with former residents of Mother and Baby Institutions and their advocates.

The Collaborative Forum process, established by my predecessor as a representative advisory body on issues of priority for former residents, 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 to reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19. A number of members travel from outside the jurisdiction and some would also be categorised as being in the at-risk groups identified by public health authorities.

From experience to date, it is evident that remote meetings based on the use of technology present additional challenges for an engagement process as sensitive as this one. However, throughout 2020, the members of the Forum have been appraised of developments and updated on any 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.

I have acknowledged the recent shortcomings in our communications and engagement in relation to the Records legislation, and I have voiced my commitment to 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 engaged directly with members of the Collaborative Forum, and other stakeholders. I have given them my commitment to convening a meeting of the Collaborative Forum in whatever manner is possible following the publication of the report.

Arrangements are being advanced to seek approval from Government to publish the final report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes. In responding to the Commission's findings, I recognise that dialogue with those who have lived experiences of these institutions is essential. I want to take a survivor-centred approach, characterised by consistent engagement with former residents and their representative groups on matters of concern to them and their families. An enhanced model of engagement will be established, following consultation with the Collaborative Forum, and building on the learning from the Forum's significant work to date. I am conscious of broadening direct participation in our structured dialogue with former residents and I will consult beyond the current Forum membership in this regard.

As part of my deliberations, I am considering how best to facilitate the administration and leadership of a renewed engagement process. I am mindful of the importance of establishing a consultation process that is inclusive and which seeks to capture the diverse voices and perspectives on these deeply personal and sensitive issues.