Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 January 2018
158. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the process undertaken by her Department to advertise outside of the State for witnesses to come forward to the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3581/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe statutory Commission of Investigation (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.
The Commission previously informed me that it had written to a range of Irish groups in the UK and the USA inviting relevant people to come forward to provide testimony and information, and the Confidential Committee has visited the UK on a number of occasions.
As the Deputy will also be aware, the range of concerns relating to Mother and Baby Homes, and the establishment of the Commission of Investigation, continues to be widely reported by national and international media outlets.
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 the investigation team directly. All relevant contact information is on my Department's website and can be accessed at www.dcya.gov.ie.
