Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
548. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his engagement with the forum for the survivors of mother and baby homes; the number of meetings since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3745/21]
View answerI recognise the challenge of building trust with those who have experienced trauma and hurt over an extended period. The State accepts its responsibility for the failure to listen in the past, and in more recent times. I have voiced my commitment to enhanced engagement with survivors and their advocates, including members of the Collaborative Forum.
Throughout 2020, members of the Forum were 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.
It is clear that new demands now emerge in seeking to facilitate dialogue on the Commission’s Final Report and the State’s Action Plan in responding to its findings. Structured engagement and consultation around the Action Plan requires specific structures, systems and resources to ensure it is inclusive and effective. Innovative methods are required to achieve this objective, especially given the continuing challenges presented by the restrictions necessary to reduce the public health risks associated with Covid-19.
I want to commence this enhanced dialogue as quickly as possible. As a first step, I will consult with members of the Collaborative Forum as I believe that a new and enhanced model of engagement, which builds upon the strengths of the existing process, can add to the significant work to date. I have invited members of the forum to two virtual meetings in the coming weeks to discuss the Final Report and how best to develop dedicated channels of communication and increase opportunities for direct engagement with the large number of stakeholders and their representative groups.
