Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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39. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will consider a request by a group (details supplied) to remove the word "home" from the commission of investigation and replace it with the word "institution"; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40178/16]

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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My question relates to a request from a group of survivors from the mother and baby homes because they find it offensive that the word "home" is used to describe something that was an institution. They were hoping there might be some move on removing that word "home" in whatever way that could happen.

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I am aware of the request by the group in question to remove the word "home" from the arrangements for the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes and certain related matters and to replace it with the word "institution". When the term "home" is used to describe institutions such as mother and baby homes, it may not sit easily with some given the general perception and understanding that this word generates in the minds of the majority of people. For this reason, I appreciate the emotional impact of using this word instead of more a generic term such as "institution", which I understand the group may consider more acceptable.

It is important to emphasise the commission is a statutory entity legally established by Government order. The language used must be viewed in the context of the requirements of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004. The Act is the backdrop for the commission’s work. Its general functions, powers, procedures and protections are laid down in this enabling legislation. If the language used in the order were too vague or did not use the terminology in use at the time these institutions were in being, it could delay or potentially undermine the work of the commission. Changing the commission's name would require an amendment to the Government order and I have no plans to make such an amendment at this time. Making such a change when the commission is more than halfway through its work would risk creating confusion among those who have already contributed to the investigation or who may plan to do so in the future.

It is my hope that this commission's work will help us all come to a better understanding of how society treated mothers and children in these homes and how attitudes, policy and legislation has changed over the period.

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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I appreciate the Minister's answer. I understand the legality of it. Nobody would want the process of the investigation to be slowed in any way because it has been such a long time coming. At least we have the opportunity today to draw attention to the fact that the word "home" has certain connotations. It is a place where one feels safe and belongs. It is a place of laughter and joy and a place where there is a great sense of supportive and loving relationships. These institutions were anything but those safe, supportive places we associate with the word "home". There were mothers and children who did not feel welcome, safe or respected in those places and whose lives were destroyed. For many the trauma still lives today. I appreciate where the Minister is coming from and her empathy and understanding of the situation. Even addressing it today has been a positive engagement.

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I thank the Deputy for drawing attention to this. I share her empathy and commitment. I will say a little bit more about the use of the word "home" because it is important that we put a spotlight on this now. In light of the issues raised by this group, what I have been trying to say is that, by definition, legal instruments are technical in nature and the language used must be precise. I understand the sensitivity of using the word "home" when the social values we normally associate with home may not fully reflect the experiences of former residents in these institutions. Former residents who are in a position to share their experiences with the commission will greatly assist to ensure society has a clear understanding of the reality of life in these institutions. I encourage former residents and others with relevant information to contact the commission in this regard.

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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The naming issue might seem like a small matter but it is important to the group that brought it to our attention. Coming up to Christmas, we are very conscious of home and the various Christmas songs such as "Driving home for Christmas". It is important that we make the point today. I will refer to a group which met the Minister's predecessor, the former Deputy and now Senator James Reilly. They are the mixed race group, some of whom were in these mother and baby homes. Their suffering was even more extreme because they were mixed race. They had additional layers of suffering, abuse, name-calling and undermining than children who were not of mixed race. If there are opportunities when the reports are coming in, we should constantly keep in mind that these were not homes as we understand homes. They were institutions.

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I remember well the evidence provided by the mixed race group when I was a member of the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. Their evidence was very powerful and impactful. I hope some of them were in the position to offer testimony and to bear witness to the commission. It is important and, as the Deputy has said, it demonstrates the different ways in which the experience of being in that home is impacted by the different identities and historical backgrounds that people bring into the context of that institution. I acknowledge their work and advocacy.