Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017
1706. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the plans in place to advertise the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes in Ireland in print, radio and electronic media outlets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1637/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1707. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the plans in place to advertise the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes overseas in print, radio and electronic media outlets and to ensure members of the diaspora have an opportunity to share their testimony with the Commission (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1638/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1706 and 1707 together.
At the outset it is important to state that the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes (and Certain related matters) is independent in its conduct. Therefore the advertising strategy is a matter for the Commission to decide and I do not have any role or influence in this regard.
I am aware that the Commission of Investigation has conducted three advertising campaigns in Ireland using local and national radio and local and national newspapers. These were conducted in June/July 2015, June 2016 and November 2016. A number of radio stations conducted interviews with a representative from the Commission.
In addition, the Commission has written to a range of Irish groups in the UK and the USA inviting relevant people to come forward. The Confidential Committee has already visited the UK for hearings and proposes to do so again in the near future.
While I do not have a direct role the Commission's advertising strategies, I am on record of this House as encouraging any person with information which may be relevant to the Commission to contact them directly. All relevant information is on my Department's website and can be accessed at www.dcya.gov.ie.
