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Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2018

Tuesday, 1 May 2018

Ceisteanna (375)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

375. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if children born in mother and baby homes will be eligible for redress to address the psychological impact of having been separated from their birth mothers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18590/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The question of redress for former residents of Mother and Baby Homes is one which I have addressed on a number of occasions and I am happy to restate the Government's position for the Deputy.

Mother and Baby Homes have not been central to any previous statutory inquiry so this Commission must be given the opportunity to advance its investigation and to establish the facts of what happened in and around these institutions.

The independent Commission of Investigation has made no findings to date about abuse or neglect in any of the homes within its terms of reference. In these circumstances, it is not possible for Government to put in place a redress scheme in relation to the broad range of matters within the scope of this investigation prior to the Commission submitting its findings and conclusions.

The challenges for Government in considering such matters at an interim stage of a Commission’s work were further highlighted in the Special Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

As I have indicated previously, when the final reports of the Commission are available, the Government will listen and respond to the full account of the Commission’s conclusions on this and all matters regarding the treatment of former residents.

In the interim, the Government has agreed to consider supports to meet the health and well-being needs of former residents. The establishment of a Collaborative Forum is a progressive approach to assist former residents to prioritise areas of concern for them and their families. A public information campaign is to commence this week seeking expressions of interest in being appointed to the Forum.

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