James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her question. The Government has undertaken to establish a statutory commission of investigation into matters relating to mother and baby homes in accordance with the motion passed by this House on 11 June. Considerable progress has been achieved since this date, including the publication of the interdepartmental group’s report, the announcement that Judge Yvonne Murphy will chair the commission and an inclusive consultation process with stakeholders.

The establishment of any statutory investigation is a significant undertaking. The scale and sensitivity of the specific concerns relating to mother and baby homes, as evident from the interdepartmental report and submissions received from interested parties, simply demands that I take the necessary time for detailed consideration of these complex matters. The Deputy mentioned earlier that I am the third Minister at the Department since its establishment at the beginning of this Government's term of office. I felt it important that I met all of the groups.

Although the necessity of providing the commission with appropriate terms of reference may be generally accepted, the task of achieving the required precision should not be underestimated. Our collective desire to finalise these arrangements quickly must be balanced against the clear obligation to the mothers and children who were in these institutions to get this process right from the start. Due care and attention at this formative stage should not be interpreted as anything else.

I am confident that we are now approaching the conclusion of this deliberative process. My priority remains the establishment of a commission that can deliver on public expectations in a realistic manner by providing a full account of what happened in these homes. Following discussions with colleagues across Government, the work of developing the terms of reference is now well advanced. In addition, my Department is working with Judge Murphy to advance the operational arrangements and determine the resources required to support the commission’s work, because we are required to be able to cost this when we submit it to Government.

In parallel with this work I am consulting a number of key stakeholders to update them on the emerging issues and seek their further views. As I advised the joint Oireachtas committee last week, at least some of the issues being raised extend beyond the central focus on mother and baby homes as debated in the House. However, I am confident that this inclusive approach will greatly assist the establishment of an effective inquiry which has the support of those most centrally involved.

Following the finalisation of the terms of reference in the coming weeks, it is my intention to bring the matter to Government as soon as possible thereafter.

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