Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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38. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when she plans to publish the second interim report of the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes; the reason the publication has been delayed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33333/16]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I have received the second Interim Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes.

I have already committed to publishing the Report. The report has been prepared to address the requirement in its terms of reference for the Commission to report on any additional matters which it considers may warrant further investigation in the public interest as part of its work.

Since receiving the Report I have met with the Commission to discuss the Report and the general progress being made with the investigation.

Given the broad scope of the Commission's work a number of issues in the Report extend beyond the remit of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. For this reason, it has been necessary to take some time to consult with Cabinet colleagues and the Attorney General on these matters. I have recently sought some additional information from the Commission to assist in these deliberations. My intention is to publish the Report in conjunction with Government's response to the Commission's findings.

I am sensitive to the concerns and expectations of former residents and I hope to conclude this process as quickly as possible. As I have done previously, arrangements will be made to inform representative groups of any developments before making a public announcement.