Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019
1351. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to consult with the broader survivor community in addition to the collaborative forum membership regarding the recommendation of the report of the collaborative forum to fund a series of memorialisation measures to remember and honour the mothers and children incarcerated in mother and baby homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19006/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the value and importance of sensitively developed memorialisation to honour and remember the mothers and children who resided in these institutions.
When I recently published the recommendations of the First Report of the Collaborative Forum, I was pleased to announce Government approval for the development of a series of memorialisation measures to contribute to local and national commemoration.
The proposed measures include the establishment of a scheme to fund memorials in the locality of each former mother and baby institution. I also plan the provision of financial supports to assist survivor led groups in organising and running commemoration events. A working group will be established to develop innovative schemes, and to advance the proposal for a national memorial as recommended by the Forum.
These are significant tasks and we will work with stakeholders to build consensus in so far as practicable. I am open to artistic, creative and academic engagement as we examine the feasibility of developing active living memorials such as interactive multi-media experiences, educational activities and relevant artistic endeavours.
My Department will work with relevant Government departments and agencies, as well as members of the representative Collaborative Forum and the wider community in advancing these measures. I will be making further announcements on this process by the end of June.
