Written Answers Nos. 276-286
276. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the advertising that has already been arranged and the plans in place to further advertise the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes in print, radio and electronic media outlets, in view of the fact that the closing date for applications to meet the commission’s confidential committee is 1 March 2017. [9051/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra277. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the advertising that has already been arranged and the plans in place to further advertise the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes overseas in print, radio and electronic media outlets to ensure that the diaspora have an opportunity to share their testimony with the commission, in view of the fact that the closing date for applications to meet the commission’s confidential committee is 1 March 2017. [9052/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra278. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the advertising that has already been arranged and the plans in place to further advertise the fact that the closing date for applications to meet the confidential committee of the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes is 1 March 2017. [9053/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra281. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there is a closing date for applications to meet the investigation committee of the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes; and if so, the plans in place to advertise this deadline. [9056/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 276 to 278, inclusive, and 281 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 the conduct of its investigations. 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 also 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.
The Commission has stated that it is conducting a further advertising campaign this week to remind people that the closing date for the Confidential Committee is 1 March 2017.
As the Deputy will be aware the Confidential Committee Report was initially due to be completed in August 2016 before the Government agreed to the Commission's request for a time extension. This additional time was provided to facilitate the large number of witnesses who wished to provide testimony in person to the Commission. The Report must now be completed by February 2018 along with the Social History Report and the Final Report.
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.
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.
282. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will reach out to all those who have contacted her Department regarding adoption and mother and baby homes in recent years; and if she will inform them of the existence of the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes. [9057/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am on record of this House as encouraging any person with information which may be relevant to the investigation to contact the Commission directly. All relevant information is on the Commission's website and can be accessed at www.mbhcoi.ie.
Following the public consultation process to inform the development of the Commission's terms of reference, my Department passed on the submissions and correspondence received from groups and individuals to the Commission.
The Deputy may wish to note that my Department has also made arrangements to inform these interested parties of significant events regarding the Commission.
