Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2021
259. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on working with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to use ministerial directives under the Planning and Development Act 2000 to halt any development on the Bessborough mother and baby home site ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3185/21]
View answerI have separately written to An Bord Pleanála and Cork City Council to encourage them to consider the interim and final reports of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, and the views expressed by former residents of this institution, when deciding on the planning applications for development at the site of the former Bessborough Mother and Baby Home.
I am open to working with any of my Government colleagues in respect of matters relating to mother and baby homes and related institutions. As the Deputy will be aware, I do not have any statutory powers under the Planning and Development Act 2000.
