I am aware of concerns expressed by some interested parties and I thank the Deputy for the opportunity to clarify my reasoning and motivation for the appointment of Mr Kearney as Chair of the newly established Collaborative Forum.
The Deputy’s question suggests that the Collaborative Forum has a role in investigating or making determinations on alleged human rights abuses. This is not its intended focus. Therefore, in the first instance, it may be helpful to outline the specific role of the Collaborative Forum and how this differs significantly to the Commission of Investigation established by Government to comprehensively examine the experiences of women and children in mother and baby homes.
The Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters was established by Government (S.I. No. 57 of 2015) to provide a full account of what happened to women and children in these homes during the period 1922 to 1998. The three person Commission comprises Judge Yvonne Murphy (Chair), Dr William Duncan, and Professor Mary E Daly. The Commission has all the necessary legal powers to make any findings and recommendations it deems appropriate in relation to the broad range of public concerns which have been referred to it.
Most importantly, the Commission is independent in the conduct of its investigations and the Chair of the Collaborative Forum, or its members, have no influence or role in relation to the investigation. The Commission is due to submit its findings by February 2019.
As the Commission continues with its important work I am committed to working directly with former residents in developing solutions to the issues of concern to them and their families. The Collaborative Forum is a progressive response to the theme of “nothing about us without us” which has emerged from facilitated consultations with former residents. Through the forum participants will create and drive forward a process that they can support and trust. I believe the Charter for a Collaborative Forum, which I agreed with my Government colleagues, presents a genuine opportunity for constructive dialogue and collective action. I am confident that the Forum will enable former residents to identify, discuss and prioritise the issues of concern to them. Its work can have a lasting and positive impact.
The approach I have taken to the appointment of a Chairperson and members of the Collaborative Forum recognises that it is an advisory rather than an investigative body. I consider the approach taken, including an independent process for the selection of 19 representatives of former residents, to be the appropriate one.
While Mr Kearney is not himself a former resident he brings a wealth of relevant experience from a distinguished career in public service. He has a proven track record of supporting successful collaborative projects, including his work with the Moore Street consultative group. I believe he will play a key role in the establishment of an effective and inclusive Forum, working with and in the interests of former residents. As outlined in the Charter, it will be a participant-centred process with its 20 members adopting a consensus-oriented decision making approach to their deliberations. In this way, Mr Kearney’s task will be to facilitate members of the Forum to create and drive the process for themselves. I am confident that Mr Kearney’s actions and approach will quickly serve to dispel any concerns which may exist at the outset.
