Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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831. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the mother and baby homes commission of investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21189/16]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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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 mothers and children resident in 14 named Mother and Baby Homes and a representative sample of County Homes. The Commission is required to address seven specific questions on the practices and procedures relating to the care, welfare, entry arrangements and exit pathways for the women and children who were residents of these institutions. The primary function of the Commission is to provide a factual account, in a timely manner, of what happened to vulnerable women and children in these institutions during the period 1922 - 1998.

I recently met with the Chair of the Commission to discuss progress on the Confidential Committee and Social History modules, as set out in Article 4 and Article 11 of the Commission's Terms of Reference.

I am awaiting receipt of an interim report from the Commission in this regard and it is my intention to bring this report to Government as soon as possible thereafter.