Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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314. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will clarify the terms of reference for the inquiry into the mother and baby homes and if the terms of reference will include other inquiries into related institutions which have been deemed as having numerous deficiencies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36954/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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This Government is committed to establishing an effective Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes in accordance with the Motion passed by this House on the 11th June.

Considerable progress has been achieved to date, including the publication of the Inter-Departmental Group’s Report on the 16th July and the announcement that Judge Yvonne Murphy will Chair this independent statutory investigation. Discussions are being advanced with my Government colleagues and the Attorney General with a view to finalising our deliberations on the terms of reference in early course. It is my intention to bring a Memorandum to Government as quickly as possible setting out the proposed Terms of Reference and to return to the Houses with a draft order to establish the Commission.

Given the breadth and complexity of the issues involved, as evidenced from the Inter-Departmental Group's report, it is clear that precise terms of reference are required to ensure the Commission is set up on the most sound footing possible. The investigation needs to be broad enough and inclusive enough to give us an understanding of the issues but precise enough to facilitate completion in a timely and cost effective way.

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.

This is a complex task and, at this critical stage in the process to establish a Commission, it is appropriate to take the necessary time for detailed consultation and drafting. I am planning to have further engagement with a number of stakeholders in the coming weeks in order to update them on the emerging issues and to seek their further views as matters progress. To do otherwise would not be in the best interests of the mothers and children most concerned or serve the wider public interest.