Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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9. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will ensure that the terms of reference of the mother and baby home inquiry operate similar to the Institutional Abuse Inquiry in Northern Ireland where any survivor from any institution may contact the inquiry and be heard. [35432/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Government has undertaken to establish a Commission of Investigation into the concerns that have arisen in relation to Mother and Baby Homes. The decision to establish a Commission of Investigation into these matters received the unanimous endorsement of this House on the 11th June. Since this date, considerable progress has been achieved in advancing the necessary legislative and operational arrangements required to establish a statutory investigation. It is my intention to come back to both Houses during this Dáil term with a draft resolution to establish the Commission.

The specific matters to be investigated and the appropriate range of methodologies to be utilised are being considered as part of Government’s deliberations on the Commission. The broad range of issues and concerns raised with my Department with regard to the proposed Commission's terms of reference are being given consideration in arriving at an overall scope for the Commission which is workable and effective.

One of the key conclusions of the Inter- Departmental report published on the 16th July was that an opportunity for those who were mothers or children in Mother and Baby Homes to input their experiences should be developed. This is recognised as requiring considerable and careful planning taking account of previous learning from similar processes in earlier investigations. It is important that any such process should be as sensitive and non-adversarial as possible, consistent with the requirements of natural justice and the provisions of the Commission of Investigation Act 2004. As the Commission will be addressing matters which touch on areas of great personal sensitivity it will be necessary that appropriate protocols be adopted which protect the confidentiality of sensitive personal information.

More generally, 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. Establishing an investigation which is capable of delivering on public expectations and effectively addressing these important matters in a sensitive and timely manner must be our primary concern.