Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

342. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress that has been made in establishing the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes led by Judge Yvonne Murphy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44274/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government has undertaken to establish a statutory Commission of Investigation into matters relating to Mother and Baby Homes in accordance with the Motion passed by this House on 11 June. Considerable progress has been achieved since this date, including the publication of the Inter-Departmental Group’s Report, the announcement that Judge Yvonne Murphy will chair the Commission and an inclusive consultation process with stakeholders.

My priority remains to establish a Commission which can deliver on public expectations in a realistic manner by establishing a full account of what happened in these Homes. To do otherwise would not be in the best interests of the mothers and children who were in these institutions or serve the wider public interest.

Following discussions with colleagues across Government the work of developing the terms of reference is now well advanced. In addition, my Department is working with Judge Murphy to advance the operational arrangements and to determine the resources required to support the Commission’s work. The establishment of any statutory investigation is a significant undertaking and it is important that the State’s experience of previous statutory inquiries, and the lessons learned, inform decisions on the establishment of this Commission.

In parallel with this work I am consulting with a number of key stakeholders in order to update them on the emerging issues and to seek their further views. As I advised the Joint Oireachtas Committee last week, at least some of the issues being raised extend beyond the central focus on Mother and Baby Homes as debated in this House. However, I am confident that this inclusive approach will greatly assist to establish an effective inquiry which has the support of those most centrally involved.

Following the finalisation of the terms of reference in the coming weeks it is my intention to bring the matter to Government as soon as possible thereafter.