Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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36. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason four months after the original timeframe for publication, the terms of reference for the mother and baby homes inquiry have still not been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43973/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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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.

The establishment of any statutory investigation is a significant undertaking. As I have advised the Deputy previouisly, the scale and sensitivity of the specific concerns relating to Mother and Baby Homes, as evident from the Inter-Departmental Report and submissions received from interested parties, simply demand that I take the necessary time for detailed consideration of these complex matters.

Although the necessity to provide the Commission with appropriate terms of reference may be generally accepted, the task of achieving the required precision should not be underestimated. Our collective desire to finalise these arrangements quickly must be balanced against the clear obligation to the mothers and children who were in these institutions to get this process right from the start. Due care and attention at this formative stage should not be interpreted as anything else.

I am confident that we are now approaching the conclusion of this deliberative process. 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. 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 determine the resources required to support the Commission’s work.

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.