Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014
71. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the Magdalen laundries and Bethany homes including Ovoca House, Westbank Orphanage and the Church of Ireland Magdalen home, Leeson Street will be included in the terms of reference of the statutory inquiry into mother and babies homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27897/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has undertaken to establish a Commission of Investigation into the disturbing revelations on conditions and related matters in Mother and Baby Homes. I have publicly 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 will include the Bethany Home. The incorporation of any further institutions or homes, including those mentioned in the question will receive detailed consideration in the finalisation of the terms of reference for the proposed Commission of Investigation.
The Commission of Investigation will be statutory and independent and will operate under the Commission of Investigations Act, 2004. The process of developing detailed terms of reference for the Commission is being supported by a high level Cross Departmental Review Committee.
Public calls to include a range of institutions, and concerns related to particular practices, are also being considered as part of this work. A key task of the initial scoping exercise is to ensure that a realistic approach is taken to the investigation so that the Commission is in a position to operate in a workable and effective manner.
As well as working closely with my own officials, I have also met with representatives of a number of key advocacy groups and Church leaders, including the Adoption Rights Alliance, First Mothers Group, Bethany Homes Survivors Group, Cúnamh, Adoption Loss and Archbishop Diarmuid Martin. I also hope to meet with Archbishop Jackson at his earliest availability.
The submissions made to me during these constructive discussions, together with those received through my Department’s dedicated e-mail facility, will feed into the process. I am confident that this inclusive approach in the essential scoping phase will assist in establishing an inquiry which is capable of effectively addressing these important matters in a sensitive and timely manner.
The position as outlined by my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, in response to a recent Parliamentary Question on this issue may be of interest to the Deputy. Minister Fitzgerald advised the House that the facts available regarding Magdalen laundries have already been set out in detail in the McAleese report which exceeds 1,000 pages. The women concerned have received an apology from the Taoiseach, had the opportunity to relate their stories to both Mr. McAleese and Judge Quirke and are entitled to receive a capital sum of up to €100,000 depending on duration of stay as well as life-long pension top up payments and access to medical services.
The McAleese report examined the links between Mother and Baby Homes and Magdalen Laundries. His statistical analysis of the known entry routes into Magdalen laundries for the period 1920 onwards showed that less than 4% of entries were from Mother and Baby Homes and Adoption Societies.
In the light of the above, the Minister suggested that there was a valid question as to how inclusion of the Magdalene Laundries within terms of reference of another inquiry would be in the interest of or be of benefit to the women in question.
I can assure the House that I am committed to arriving at a proposed approach to the scope of the Commission shortly following the Government's careful consideration of these matters.
