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Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021

Wednesday, 3 February 2021

Questions (504, 507, 509)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

504. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will respond to concerns relating to the final report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes in numerical order (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5788/21]

View answer

Niall Collins

Question:

507. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a reply will issue to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5823/21]

View answer

Brendan Griffin

Question:

509. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if clarity will be provided on issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the mother and baby home report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5933/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 504, 507 and 509 together.

I thank the Deputies for raising the concerns of former residents of these institutions. In addition to the information provided in this reply, my Office will arrange for responses to issue to the individuals concerned.

In responding to the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation, the Government has approved the development of a Strategic Action Plan. The plan encompasses a comprehensive suite of 22 measures, which are intended to respond to the priority needs and concerns of former residents and their families. Most importantly, we will take a survivor-centred approach in the development and implementation of these measures. The Action Plan centres on a number of distinct themes including: access to personal information; archiving and databases; education and research; memorialisation; dignified burial, and restorative recognition.

This is a hugely important process for all connected to these institutions and I will be working with colleagues and survivors to advance these matters as a priority. The Government's Strategic Action Plan is now available to view on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/dcediy.

As a first step, an Interdepartmental Group (IDG) has been established to develop proposals for a bespoke ex-gratia Restorative Recognition Scheme to provide financial recognition in respect of the issues examined by the Commission of Investigation. I want the scheme to be designed as early as possible in 2021. The IDG is tasked with reporting by the end of April to enable specific proposals to be brought to Government.

I have also prioritised the preparation of Information and Tracing legislation to give individuals the fullest possible access to their birth and early life information. The database and related records which were transferred recently from the Commission of Investigation to Tusla will greatly support timely access to such information in accordance with this proposed new legislation.

In relation to the proposed developments at Bessborough, I understand the distress which the timing of this proposal has caused for those most centrally connected to this issue. I share their concerns in relation to the risks associated with this development. For these reasons, I made submission to An Bord Pleanála and Cork City Council asking that any decisions on the proposed development on the Bessborough site take appropriate account of the Commission’s Interim and Final Reports and the wishes of survivors and the families of the children who died while resident in this institution. I understand that planning permission for one part of the development has been refused in recent days by Cork County Council.

While there are understandable questions in relation to the holding of inquests, it is important to acknowledge the independence of each Coroner in the discharge of their statutory functions in this regard. Specific queries on the role of the Coroner's service should be directed to my colleague the Minister for Justice who is responsible for policy and legislation in this area.

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