James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 290: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when the report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse is expected to be completed; when he expects to publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28086/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse was established in 1999 and was subsequently put on a statutory basis under the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act 2000. The terms of reference of the Commission are set out in the 2000 Act as amended by the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (Amendment) Act 2005. The purpose of the Commission is to investigate child abuse in institutions in the State, to enable persons who have suffered such abuse to give evidence to committees of the Commission, to provide for the preparation and publication of a report containing the results of the Commission's investigation and any recommendations it considers appropriate for the prevention of child abuse.

The Commission is entirely independent in the performance of its functions. In accordance with the legislation, the report will be published to the general public by the Commission in such manner and at such time during the specified period as the Commission may determine. Consequently, it is not the function of the Minister for Education and Science to publish the report nor is there any requirement for the Commission to present the report to my Department prior to its publication.

I can advise the Deputy that both Houses recently approved an extension to the Commission's specified period which will now expire at the end of January 2009. It is anticipated that the report will be finalised and published before that date.