Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2024
350. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on a reported refusal by the Church of Ireland to pay into a restitution fund for mother and baby institution survivors, on the basis that it "neither owned nor operated” mother and baby institutions as reported in the media (details supplied); and the action he will take on the foot of same. [4811/24]
View answer351. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of the letter published in a newspaper (details supplied) that the Church of Ireland did in fact play a significant role in the operation of mother and baby homes; and whether he intends to take action on foot of same. [4812/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 350 and 351 together.
Last May Government approved my proposal to appoint Ms Sheila Nunan to act on my behalf as Independent Negotiator in leading negotiations with religious organisations, which had a historical involvement with Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions. This is with a view to securing a financial contribution towards the cost of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme.
Both I and my Department are fully committed to the process of assisting the Independent Negotiator in her work.
Religious organisations including the Church of Ireland are engaging with the process. These negotiations, while ongoing, are being treated as confidential. A full report will be provided to Government once the negotiations are concluded.
