Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2022
505. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of investigations, internal or external, commissioned by his Department into instances in which departmental documents or information was leaked to the media, which were commissioned or conducted in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022; the nature of such leaks and investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26332/22]
View answerMy Department has not commissioned any investigations into unauthorised releases of Departmental documents of information.
I must, however, draw your attention to my responses to PQs 8444/21 and 45446/21 which asked about the unauthorised release of the Report of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation.
My Department awaits an update on the investigation into this unauthorised release
The two PQs along with my responses are provided below.
To ask the Minister for Children; Equality; Disability; Integration and Youth the status of the investigation into the leak of the Report of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation to a newspaper (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Catherine Connolly.
Details Supplied:
The Sunday Independent
* For Written answer on 17/02/2021
Reply
I was appalled at the leaking of the report. It was wholly unacceptable and disrespectful to survivors. I secured Government agreement to a full investigation of this incident. The Secretary General of the Department of An Taoiseach is currently investigating the matter. As part of this process, he will examine the broader issue of unauthorised dissemination of documentation and other information related to the work of the Cabinet and its sub-committees.
It is not possible to say when the investigation will be completed . As there are a number of aspects to this it is not clear how long it will take to deal satisfactorily with each of them. I can assure the Deputy that this matter is being pursued to the full and without delay.
To ask the Minister for Children; Equality; Disability; Integration and Youth the status of any investigations into the leak regarding the report on the mother and baby homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Réada Cronin.
* For Written answer on 22/09/2021
Ref No:45446/21
Reply
The Secretary General of the Department of An Taoiseach is leading the investigation into this matter. As part of the process, he has been tasked with examining the broader issue of unauthorised dissemination of documentation and other information related to the work of the Cabinet and its sub-committees.
This matter continues to be pursued as the leaking of details from the Commission's report before its publication was unacceptable and added to the distress to survivors. My Department has provided input to assist the Secretary General with his investigation. Although it is not yet possible to say when the investigation will be completed, I can assure the Deputy that its outcome will be publicised.
