Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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79. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when he expects the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes to be established; if he will be securing a supplementary estimate to fund the commission’s work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28007/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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As I have just outlined to the House, the Commission of Investigation into the concerns relating to the Mother and Baby Homes will be statutory and independent and will operate under the Commission of Investigations Act, 2004. The process of developing detailed terms of reference for the Commission is being supported by a high level Cross Departmental Review Committee. The Report from the Review Committee was submitted to Cabinet today. The next stage will be for Government to consider proposed Terms of Reference as soon as practicable.

I am deeply aware that there are people living with the daily reality of these painful experiences, so establishing an appropriate inquiry which is capable of effectively addressing these important matters in a sensitive and timely manner is my primary concern. It is my intention to bring a resolution before both Houses prior to the summer recess to facilitate the making of an order to formally establish the Commission.

It is my intention to continue to remain in contact with the Deputy and other spokespersons in order to seek the widest possible consensus in relation to these matters.

With regard to funding, a key task of the initial scoping exercise is to ensure that a realistic approach is taken to investigating these matters. Our approach should have regard to the facts established through recent inquiries into related institutions, and the general experience gained in conducting similar investigations into matters of public importance. The House is only too well aware of previous Tribunals and Commissions that generated a great deal of expense and due to their protracted nature took much longer to arrive at conclusions than those most centrally concerned or this House would have wished.

The additional resources that will be required to facilitate this inquiry will be considered by Government in tandem with decisions necessary to finalise the terms of reference and establish the Commission of Investigation.