Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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55. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the additional matters that are delaying the publication of the second interim report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes. [7021/17]

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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66. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the second interim report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes will be published; when the final report will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6804/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 66 together.

As I have previously outlined to the House, it is my intention to publish the Second Interim Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes in conjunction with the Government's response to the Report.

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. Therefore, it has been necessary for me to consult with Cabinet colleagues and the Attorney General on these matters. I also needed to seek additional information from the Commission to assist in these deliberations and I am due to meet with the Commission again this month.

I do acknowledge that this process has taken longer than I initially envisaged and I am sensitive to the expectations of former residents and their advocates in this regard. For this reason, I also want to assure the Deputies that the Government's consideration of this Interim Report is not affecting progress of the Commission's investigations. The Commission is continuing its comprehensive investigations with a view to completing its final report by 17 February 2018 in accordance the three year time-frame provided in its terms of reference. The Commission will also complete its Social History Report and Confidential Committee Report by this date.

I will ensure that arrangements are made to inform representative groups of developments on the Report before making any public announcement. I hope to conclude matters as quickly as possible.