Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The timeframe for these questions does not allow for the searching that needs to take place here. The Minister has not answered the questions I asked about the legislative and logistical challenges he outlined in his initial response. What are we talking about here in real terms? The records are very important and of great concern. Have efforts been made to gather these and place them in safe custody? What is the position on the terms of reference for the commission of inquiry? Will it include the address of the various mother and baby homes, not only the Tuam institution and others, but also the Bethany Home and the Magdalen laundries? What practices will be addressed regarding the years that are to be focused on? Will the Minister clarify exactly which years are to be addressed in the investigation? We had a direct engagement with his predecessors, Deputies Frances Fitzgerald and Charles Flanagan, on these matters. There was an agreement. We made it very clear that we were available, willing and eager to engage throughout the summer recess and I made a number of requests for an opportunity to secure updates from the Minister and his Secretary General over the period, which have yet to be accommodated. It is anything but satisfactory.

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