Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 January 2018
160. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to failures by the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes to correspond or reply to survivors living abroad that had contacted the Commission. [3583/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra162. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason persons that have testified to the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes have not been permitted access to that testimony along with their own personal records. [3586/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 162 together.
The statutory Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters) is independent in the conduct of its investigations. I do not have any role or influence in how the Commission engages with witnesses in the course of its investigations.
I am advised that the Commission’s policy is to keep all the evidence provided to it in secure storage on its premises. Individuals who have met the Confidential Committee may come to the Commission’s premises and hear the recording of their evidence and/or read the notes on their case if these have been written up. Individuals who give evidence to the full Commission may similarly read the transcript of their evidence on the Commission’s premises. If individuals provide personal records to the Commission, it is the policy to photocopy these and return the originals to the people concerned on the day. The Commission does not have any role in assisting individuals in resolving questions on their identity or in tracing birth relatives. Persons seeking such information should contact the Information and Tracing services of TUSLA, the Child and Family Agency (www.tusla.ie) or the Adoption Authority of Ireland (www.aai.gov.ie).
The Commission’s policy is to reply to all correspondence whether from Ireland or abroad. I know that the Commission would welcome being contacted again if it has inadvertently failed to reply to any individual. If the Deputy is aware of any specific cases she may wish to advise the person involved to contact the Commission directly in relation to these matters.
