Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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136. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide an update on the commission of investigation into mother and baby Homes, including the dates and details for the public consultation phase described by him during debates on the publication of the terms of reference for the work of the commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22821/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related matters was formally established by Government Order on the 17th February 2015.

In accordance with its comprehensive Terms of Reference, the Commission is tasked with thoroughly examining the experience of vulnerable mothers and children resident in Mother and Baby Homes during the period 1922-1998. I can advise the Deputy that the Commission has begun this important work. The Government Order and a number of related explanatory documents are available on my Department's website (www.dcya.gov.ie).

The Government specifically provided for a confidential committee as a forum intended to facilitate any individual who wishes to describe their experiences of living or working in relevant homes to the Commission. I know many former residents have welcomed this opportunity. This module, which is scheduled to be completed by August 2016, will allow the Commission to ground its work in the reality of the experience of mothers and children in these institutions. It is essential to reiterate that the Commission is completely independent in the conduct of its investigations. Therefore the precise timing and approach to the Confidential Committee module is a matter for the Commission to decide and progress. I have no role in these decisions.

The Deputy may also wish to note that the Commission recently launched its own website www.mbhcoi.ie. As indicated on the website, the Commission would like to hear directly from persons with information about matters within its terms of reference. I am also aware that the Commission intends to conduct a national advertising campaign to notify members of the public who may wish to engage with its investigations.

Persons wishing to contact the Commission may do so by writing directly to: Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, 73 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2, email info@mbhcoi.ie or by using the confidential freephone number 1800 806688.