As the Deputy will be aware, the Commission of Investigation which is investigating the extent to which organisations, including State bodies, and individuals were aware of the child sexual abuse committed by an individual during the 1980s is an independent body and I, as Minister for Justice, have no role in the conduct of its investigation.
On 9 June I announced my decision to appoint Mr Justice Michael White as the member of the Commission. Mr Justice White became the sole member on 1 July. I would like to express my gratitude to Judge Barry Hickson for all of his work on this Commission of investigation and wish him the very best for the future.
As the Deputy will appreciate, this Commission, as with all Commissions of Investigations, is completely independent in its work, and I cannot intervene in the process, nor direct the Commission in any way.
The working pattern of any Commission of Investigation is a matter for the Commission itself, and it would not be appropriate for myself, as Minister, to advise the Commission in how to conduct its work.
However, I can inform the Deputy that there are no plans to amend the terms of reference of the Commission at this time.