Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Regarding mothers and children who were in mother and baby homes, it is very important that they receive a full account and that the commission be established in a manner that will yield the information, the history and background they desire in a reasonable timeframe. As the Deputy is aware, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has engaged with Opposition party spokespersons and intends to continue the engagement to achieve as much consensus as possible on this very personal, sensitive issue which is of importance to so many families and individuals. The Department of Children and Youth Affairs has received over 120 submissions on the terms of reference, both from individuals and groups. Meetings have taken place with a range of interested groups involving the Minister or his predecessors and officials and further such meetings are planned. The draft terms of reference have been circulated to Departments and I will speak to the Minister. I am sure the relevant committee, or several committees, will also wish to be involved in the process. We might arrange for the Whips to have a discussion because I know that there is interest in this issue among Deputies on all sides of the House and I am anxious to accommodate as many Members as possible in these very important discussions. The Deputy might ask her party Whip to raise it, but I know that the Minister will keep in constant contact with Opposition spokespersons and committees, as required.

Regarding the domestic violence legislation, it is for next year. Regarding subcontractors in work being carried out on Government building projects, as the Deputy is aware, Contractors Administration Services, CAS, was appointed to carry out some inquiries relating to this matter on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills. I understand discussions are ongoing among different parties. Also, there is a proposal to introduce legislation which is on the A list on, for instance, certain features of industrial relations procedures. In respect of my Department, there have also been inquires relating to sites to ensure those working on them are properly registered for social insurance and taxation purposes.

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