Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014
89. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will agree in principle to establishing a funding mechanism to provide for memorials for all the mother and baby homes angels plots as a sign of good faith to the victims of these institutions. [27938/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have outlined to the House today, the Government is committed to establishing a Commission of Investigation into concerns relating to the Mother and Baby Homes. The process of developing detailed terms of reference for the Commission is being supported by a high level Cross Departmental Review Committee. I have received an initial report from the Review Committee in recent days. This work is progressing with a view to Government finalising the Terms of Reference as soon as practicable.
Public calls to include a range of institutions, and concerns such as the one of memorials raised by the Deputy, are also being considered as part of this work. I am deeply aware that there are people living with the daily reality of these painful experiences, so establishing an appropriate inquiry which is capable of effectively addressing these important matters in a sensitive and timely manner is my primary concern.
As well as working closely with my own officials, I wish to acknowledge the constructive contribution of the Government Deputies and opposition spokespersons with whom I have met in recent days. I look forward to continuing engagement across the House with a view to achieving all-party consensus as the necessary arrangements are finalised.
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. A focus on survivors has been raised with me in this context.
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.
I am committed to taking the most appropriate approach to establish the truth in respect of these deeply tragic and disturbing events. It is my intention to bring a resolution before both Houses in the coming weeks to facilitate the making of an order to formally establish the Commission before the summer recess.
