Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2017
279. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the 1 March 2017 closing date for applications to meet the confidential committee of the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes is final; and if the commission will welcome contact for impacted persons living abroad, especially those living outside the UK, where the commission has not yet advertised its work. [9054/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra280. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the outcome if witnesses contact the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes after the closing date of 1 March 2017 for applications to meet the confidential committee. [9055/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 280 together.
I would strongly encourage any person, including those living outside the jurisdiction, who believes they may have relevant information to contact the Commission directly. I know the Commission would welcome such contacts.
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.
The Confidential Committee Report was initially due to be completed in August 2016 before Government granted the Commission's request for a time extension. The Report will now be delivered by February 2018 along with the Social History Report and the Final Report. As the Deputy is aware, the Commission has set a deadline for applications to meet the Confidential Committee which is now 1st March 2017.
However, I understand that the Commission has not set a deadline for applications to be heard by the Investigating Committee other than the general requirement to have the Final Report completed by February 2018.
