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Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014

Tuesday, 1 July 2014

Ceisteanna (91)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

91. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will support a full and proper inquiry into all former mother and baby homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27898/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The 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 Homes. These announcements have been widely welcomed.

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. I have received an initial report from the Review Committee in recent days. The Committee is continuing to collate the necessary information in preparation for further detailed consideration of the matter by Government in the coming weeks.

The appropriate model, including matters such as the expertise required within the Commission, is being considered as part of this scoping process. 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 of these matters. The Commission’s approach should have regard to the facts established through recent inquiries into related institutions, and the general experience gained in conducting similar investigations into matters of public importance.

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.

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 can assure the House that 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.

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