Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Ms Mary Higgins and Mr. David O'Callaghan, CEO and chairman, respectively, of Caranua and acknowledge that we have some survivors with us in the Public Gallery. They are very welcome to attend this hearing. Members will recall the Private Members' motion on Caranua in the Dáil last week. The debate provided Members of the Dáil with an opportunity to highlight some concerns they wished to raise in respect of the operation of Caranua and the experiences of some victims of institutional abuse when dealing with it. As this took place in the Dáil, Caranua did not have the opportunity to respond directly to the matters raised. Members will know that I make every attempt to ensure that our engagements are balanced. In this regard, our engagement is timely as it will give Caranua an opportunity to respond to the matters raised in our letter of invitation, many of which were also raised in the debate in the Dáil, and allow members to seek further clarification on any other matters of concern. While I will allow as much scope as possible, I remind everybody that this is a parliamentary committee and the witnesses are here for engagement.

Caranua operates under the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012 and it is open to members as legislators to propose any necessary legislative amendments they deem appropriate should these arise from our engagement today. Pursuant to section 16 of the Act, Caranua is accountable to Oireachtas committees. In that regard, I record the fact that Caranua requested an opportunity to appear before the committee prior to this. Due to our other work commitments, however, it was not possible to schedule the meeting at that point. While the matter of cost is certainly an important one, members should take care not to stray into areas more appropriate to the Committee of Public Accounts, which had a hearing last week. At the end of the day, we must all remember that this topic affects people who have already suffered. This engagement is an opportunity, notwithstanding the conclusion of the review by the Minister, to ensure that any changes to practice or legislation, or both, can be highlighted here and implemented as quickly as possible.

Members may be aware of the existence of a document authored by an individual who is not a Member of the Oireachtas. I record that the committee did not request or commission this document and it has not been accepted by it. I do not intend to reopen consideration of that matter. However, if there are matters contained in the document which warrant a response from Caranua, I suggest the author sends it directly to that body for comment. I am sure the committee will agree to schedule another meeting if necessary. As I have already pointed out, this is an opportunity to have a productive engagement on a very serious matter. I hope we do not miss it. I understand Deputy Thomas Byrne wants to come in on a point of procedure.