Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I have not yet responded to Senator Bacik's queries. Senator Warfield asked about the timeline for receipt of the commission's report. I cannot give a timeline until we get it. Several procedural requirements under section 38 of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 must be met. The Office of the Attorney General must go through the report, as will my Department. There is an option to refer to the Garda Commissioner if necessary. It will then be brought to the Government, which will agree on publication.For my part, having had so many contacts since I took up this role from people who are waiting to hear this and concerned about the delays we discussed earlier, I want it published as quickly as possible. That is really all I can give the Senators today. Survivors have waited such a long time for this that they deserve that clarity. I want to put it out there as quickly as possible.

That feeds into the body of work my Department has to do as regards legacy issues. We have to get this published and start responding to it because I imagine it will contain significant recommendations. We have work to do on the burial sites legislation as well and, as Senator Bacik stated, we have work to do on the information and tracing legislation. The Senator asked when people will be able to avail of that. Unfortunately, I cannot give an answer. It is my intention that we will, hopefully, bring forward the information and tracing legislation next year. As already stated, I am open to engaging with the many Senators who have a real interest in and knowledge of this issue.