Commissions of Investigation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2014

Tuesday, 24 June 2014

Ceisteanna (695, 696)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

695. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will ensure that international best practice requirements are implemented in the proposed commission of investigation, requirements as informed by the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights and principles established by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding effective investigation and documentation of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; if he is willing to include the Magdalen laundries and county homes together with all mother and baby homes as part of the investigation's terms of reference; and if he will be open to the investigation being carried out by an independent commission with the inclusion of an international observer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26688/14]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

696. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will ensure that international best practice requirements are implemented in the proposed commission of investigation, requirements as informed by the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights and principles established by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding effective investigation and documentation of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; if he is willing to include the Magdalen laundries and county homes together with all mother and baby homes as part of the investigations terms of reference; and if he will be open to the investigation being carried out by an independent commission with the inclusion of an international observer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26818/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 695 and 696 together.

The Government has undertaken to establish a Commission of Investigation into the issues relating to the recent revelations and public controversy on conditions in Mother and Baby Homes. I have also confirmed that the intended scope of this investigation will go beyond the home operated by the Sisters of Bon Secours in Tuam, Co. Galway and these announcements have been widely welcomed.

The Commission will be statutory and independent and will operate under the Commission of Investigations Act, 2004. The process of developing a detailed terms of reference for the Commission is being supported by a high level Cross Departmental Review Committee. The Committee continues to meet and is collecting a range of information in preparation for further detailed consideration by Government. The inclusion of a range of institutions and related concerns, including the implementation of best practice considerations as raised by the Deputy, are being given consideration as part of the process underway. Government will also decide upon the composition of the Commission, which can be made up of one or more members.

A dedicated email address ([e-mail]) has been created to facilitate submissions from organisations and individuals in relation to this proposed Commission of Investigation. Submissions are invited with information on the institutions or locations which should be considered for inclusion or the general matters which the Terms of Reference should require the Commission to examine. I encourage those who wish to make submissions to act without delay in availing of this opportunity to inform the considerations now underway.

As well as working closely with my own officials, I am arranging to meet a number of key advocacy groups and will continue further discussions with spokespersons of other political parties. I am confident that an inclusive approach will assist in establishing an inquiry which is capable of addressing these important matters in a sensitive and timely manner.