The Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters is the only Commission of Investigation established under the aegis of my Department. It was established by Government on the 17th February 2015 (S.I. No. 57 of 2015) and is due to submit its three reports by February 2018.
The costs associated with the Commission are met from my Department's Vote. Since its establishment the Commission has directly incurred costs totalling €3.015m (to end of October 2016). This expenditure consists of €1.630m in pay; €1.117m for operational costs (including accommodation), and €0.268m for other costs related to the investigation.
In addition, my Department has also incurred costs to date of approximately €0.386m in supporting the establishment and operation of the Commission.
Due to the nature of an investigation process, and the volume of information being analysed across the various strands of this investigation, it is not possible to provide an estimate of final costs at this time.