Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The commission of investigation into concerns relating to mother and baby homes will be statutory and independent and will operate under the Commission of Investigations Act 2004. The process of developing detailed terms of reference for the commission is being supported by a high-level, cross-departmental review committee. The report from the review committee was submitted to Cabinet this morning. The next stage will be for the Government to consider proposed terms of reference as soon as practicable.

I am deeply aware that people are living with the daily reality of these painful experiences. For this reason, establishing an appropriate inquiry which is capable of effectively addressing these important matters in a sensitive and timely manner is my primary concern. It is my intention to bring a resolution before the Houses prior to the summer recess to facilitate the making of an order to formally establish the commission of investigation.

It is my intention to continue to remain in contact with the Deputy and other spokespersons to seek the widest possible consensus on these matters. In this regard, I thank Deputy Troy for his engagement on behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party. I had at least one meeting with the Deputy and I invited him today to engage with me further on ongoing developments. I thank the spokespersons of other parties and representatives of the Independent Deputies.

With regard to funding, a key task of the initial scoping exercise is to ensure a realistic approach is taken to investigating these important and sensitive issues.

Our approach should have regard to the facts established through recent inquiries into related institutions, and the general experience gained in conducting similar investigations into matters of public importance. The House is only too well aware of previous tribunals and commissions that generated a great deal of expense and, due to their protracted nature, took much longer to arrive at conclusions than those most centrally concerned would have wished.

The additional resources that will be required to facilitate this inquiry will be considered by Government in tandem with decisions necessary to finalise the terms of reference and establish the commission of investigation.

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