Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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116. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason there is no provision for archaeological research to take place within the remit of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and Certain Related Matters. [2182/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 provides an effective, prompt and transparent mechanism to investigate complex and sensitive matters while also respecting fair procedures and natural justice. The 2004 Act gives the Commission robust powers to conduct investigations within its terms of reference in the manner it considers appropriate while adhering to the rules and procedures contained within the Act.

The primary focus of this investigation is on the experiences of women and children who lived in Mother and Baby Homes over the period 1922-1998. While the Terms of Reference provide for a comprehensive investigative framework, the Commission is independent in the performance of its investigations and in deciding how best to approach its work.

The Deputy may wish to note that Section 8 of the 2004 Act provides that the Commission may, with the consent of the Minister, appoint persons with relevant qualifications to advise and assist the Commission. Given the range and scale of the discrete issues to be examined, it is anticipated that the Commission may require the assistance of additional professional expertise and specialists for particular tasks, and funding is available for this purpose. Therefore, it is ultimately a matter for the Commission to consider whether it requires archaeological research and there is ample discretion in the Commission of Investigations Act for the Commission to pursue such methods if it so determines.