Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her question. I know she is interested in and supportive of the work of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes.

I am keen to provide a status update on the commission. It is important to reiterate that the commission is an independent statutory investigation. It was established by the Oireachtas in 2015 to examine the experiences of vulnerable women and children in mother and baby homes during the period 1922 to 1998. It is due to report in February next year. This work is a vital step on the path we have commenced down to establish the facts and what happened in and around these homes as well as to give true meaning to the values that define us as a people and a country.

The commission continues to make progress under the leadership of Judge Yvonne Murphy, Dr. William Duncan and Professor Mary Daly.

It has prepared three interim reports to date, in July 2016, September 2016 and September 2018, and I have published all three reports.

As we know, the commission also confirmed the tragic discovery of juvenile remains interred on the site of the former home in Tuam. I am continuing to work with Galway County Council and relevant Departments to ensure appropriate decisions are taken regarding the future of the site.

I know all Members are agreed on our collective desire to respect the dignity and memory of the children who lost their lives. The experts have advised us on what is possible. A public consultation on these options has recently concluded and I expect to bring proposals to Government in the near future.

The commission is now more than three years into its programme of work. At its request, I extended its timeline for reporting to February 2019. I appreciate that many former residents were frustrated by the necessity for the 12-month extension of time even though they recognise the complexity and breadth of the task.

There are simply no shortcuts to truth and accountability. I am satisfied the commission will effectively use the additional time to listen to the personal experiences of many more former residents and ensure crucial questions can be fully addressed.

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