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

I acknowledge the Deputy's contribution on this. As I said earlier, there is a wide range of documentation before the interdepartmental committee. I agree that a social historian or archivist should be involved to ensure all documentation is appropriately logged. Issues exist relating to burial arrangements and high mortality rates at mother and baby homes. There are other issues too, such as clinical trials, domestic and international adoptions, the circumstances of mothers and the manner in which homes were run generally. It has already been suggested that an important North-South dimension must be examined.

If the Deputy has further documentation that could be of use to the Department or the commission of investigation, she should forward copies to me. I have already received over 100 written submissions and they will all feed into the process. It is expected that the Government will agree appropriate terms of reference in the coming weeks prior to the Dáil's recess on 17 July. I want an historic all-party agreement on this issue and I ask Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan, in conjunction with her colleagues on the Independent benches, to make submissions and engage in the process. I am anxious that full and detailed consideration be given to all aspects of this matter.

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