Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We in Fianna Fáil welcomed the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes when it was established. We recognised the importance of the commission in delivering justice and accountability for all those affected by mother and baby homes.

The commission's third interim report makes a request to extend the deadline for its reports on its findings on the institutions being investigated. This will add a further year to the timeframe. It should be noted that this represents the third extension of the deadlines for these reports. While we appreciate that the commission is undertaking a complex and somewhat unpredictable task, Fianna Fáil is of the view that the commission must complete its work as quickly as possible, as it is an important mode of investigation and recognition of the experiences of Irish women and their children in these homes.

Given the United Nations' comments on the terms of reference being too narrow and feedback from survivor groups, we are supportive of the terms being expanded. Furthermore, we will be engaging with survivor groups to discuss and consider how their input can best be integrated into this report.

The treatment of mothers and children in these institutions is a dark chapter in our country's history and a complex issue. Questions still abound about the nature of justice and retribution for survivors. We must be thorough in our search for the best possible model of justice for them. Our hope is that this investigation, under the direction of Judge Yvonne Murphy, can contribute in a meaningful way to that process. We welcome the publication of this report as an important step towards the final report and as an important milestone for survivors. Many survivors of mother and baby homes are reaching their later years. For this reason, it is imperative that justice and recognition be delivered to them as quickly as possible.

We have always supported the commission as a means of bringing justice to the victims of these homes and we remain supportive of the process of the commission.

Furthermore, in recognition of the immense and widespread suffering that survivors experienced in the institutions excluded from the current terms, and given the United Nations' assessment of the terms of reference being too narrow, Fianna Fáil fully supports the broadening of the terms of reference. We also support the establishment of a forum for survivors to share their experiences and viewpoints in an open and safe environment. It is crucial that we record as much information and as many experiences as we can at this juncture. Given how difficult it is for many survivors to discuss their experiences, however, it would be easier and more appropriate for them to do so in a setting that is non-legalistic and does not imply guilt or blame on their part.

These changes must be concurrent with broader discussions of justice for survivors of mother and baby homes. We must examine international best practice and other examples to find the best possible process for justice to be delivered to the survivors. Now, and as always in this process, we believe that it must remain survivor focused. To that end, we welcome the Minister's decision to seek public consultation on further action and to investigate the possibility of expanding the scope of the inquiry.

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