Joint Committee on Children, Disability, Equality and Integration invites written submissions on General Scheme of a Certain Institutional Burials (Authorised Interventions) Bill

The purpose of the Bill is to provide ‘the statutory basis and framework under which Government may decide to authorise interventions at certain sites where manifestly inappropriate burials have taken place associated with institutions operated by or on behalf of the State or in respect of which the State had clear regulatory or supervisory responsibilities’, and for the establishment of an Agency to carry out such interventions.

Following the meeting, Committee Chair Kathleen Funchion TD said: “All Members are united in their commitment to delivering on its oversight remit over the Department of Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth, to ensure the full implementation of the recommendations  of the report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes – and strengthening of those recommendations where needed.   

“The Committee discussed matters relevant to the report and will continue to consider related matters.  Members have concerns in relation to the content and language contained within the report among other issues. 

“As one of the first steps, the Committee agreed to prioritise its consideration of the pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill. It is important that the proposed Bill receives comprehensive parliamentary scrutiny by the Committee. 

“The Committee is committed to ensuring justice for the survivors of Mother and Baby Homes.” 

It is important to note that the Committee is assessing the proposed legislation which is currently before it and not any other document.

Submissions should only be sent to cbb@oireachtas.ie. The deadline for receipt of submissions is 12 noon on Friday, 19 February 2021.

The request for submissions can viewed on the Joint Committee on  Children, Disability, Equality and Integration page on the Oireachtas website.