Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 June 2018
204. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a redress scheme for survivors of mother and baby homes is being considered; if survivors' records can be returned to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26002/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 the current Commission of Investigation must be given the opportunity to conclude its investigation and to establish the facts of what happened in and around these institutions.
The independent Commission 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 consider 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.
As I have indicated previously, when the final reports of the Commission are available, the Government will respond to the full account of the Commission’s conclusions on all matters regarding the treatment of former residents.
On the question of access to personal records, I am advised that individuals who have met the Commission’s Confidential Committee may visit 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 a role in assisting individuals in resolving broader 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), which holds records from a number of former mother and baby homes and adoption societies, or assistance is also available through the Adoption Authority of Ireland (www.aai.gov.ie).
