Written answers

Tuesday, 27 September 2016

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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960. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will consider the aims of the United Survivors group in regard to the commission of inquiry into the mother and baby homes for an end to the use of the word "home" in reference to mothers and babies' institutions, and to the terms of reference of the commission of inquiry to include illegal adoptions and stolen babies. [27003/16]

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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961. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to deliver a State apology and memorial garden to all survivors of mother and baby institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27004/16]

Photo of Katherine ZapponeKatherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 960 and 961 together.

There have been numerous calls to extend the Commission's Terms of Reference. I am satisfied that the Commission has sufficient independence, powers and scope to examine a broad range of concerns and to make a determination on their relevance to the central issues in question. The Commission can also make recommendations in any of it's reports in relation to any relevant matters identified in the course of it's investigations which it considers may warrant further action. The Government will consider any recommendations made by the Commission in this regard.

In regard to matters which may be considered at the conclusion of the investigation, I am of the view that the Commission must firstly be given sufficient opportunity to advance its investigation, establish relevant facts and issue findings.

Photo of Donnchadh Ó LaoghaireDonnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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962. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the expected date for the publishing of the second interim report of the commission of investigation on mother and baby homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27042/16]

Photo of Katherine ZapponeKatherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes has recently submitted a second Interim Report.

This Report has been prepared in response to my request that the Commission report on whether it considers any additional matters may warrant further investigation as part of the its work. This request was made of the Commission in July when the Government agreed an extension of the time for the submission of two reports.

It is my intention to publish the Report after I have had an opportunity to study it carefully and to consider its findings. I have asked the Attorney General for her advices on publication and I am consulting with cabinet colleagues to enable Government to respond to the Report as quickly as possible.

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