Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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30. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the interim report on the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15225/17]

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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35. 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; the reason for the delay; if the scope of the terms of reference of the commission will be expanded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15210/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 35 together.

The survivors and loved ones of those who were resident in the Mother and Baby Homes must be central to our consideration of this complex and very emotive issue. Like many of the Deputies in this house I have met and engaged with them. Indeed one of the most memorable days of my time as Minister was at the site in Tuam before the Commission began its work. There I met with survivors and Catherine Corless, who had recollections of the home.

Some of those I met at the site are trying to find out what happened to loved ones who were resident there. They want answers, they want the truth - and that is completely understandable. As Deputies will understand it was an emotional day for all – as by coincidence later in the afternoon the Mother and Baby Home Commission confirmed it was going ahead with an investigation of the site. In that regard I can also understand the impatience for the publication of the Second Interim Report - indeed I share that impatience.

Deputies will be aware from previous PQs that it has been necessary for me to engage with Cabinet colleagues on issues in the report which extend beyond my own remit as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. I again briefed Cabinet on the matter this morning and underlined the need for us to move swiftly to a conclusion. Within the coming week the Government will be ready to clarify completion of this process. Let me assure the House now that officials within my Department will ensure that survivor and other representative groups are advised of developments prior to any public announcements.

Deputies are also asking about the terms of reference of the Mother and Baby Home Commission. I am of course aware that there have been many calls for an extension of the terms. I am committed to a scoping exercise to examine that possibility. It will examine whether broader terms of reference will help answer the questions of survivors, loved ones or indeed those questions we must face as a nation. As Minister I need to consult with the Commission on this matter. I will do so and make further announcements in the coming weeks.

It would be remiss of me however not to remind deputies that we must not lose sight of the breadth and considerable scope of the Commissions existing terms of reference. The Commission does have significant autonomy to follow where the investigation takes it and can make any recommendations it deems necessary to Government.

Deputies we are examining a dark period in our history - for too long only whispered about, that’s if it was acknowledged at all. The work and investigations being carried out are bringing a spotlight to these events. It is and will continue to be emotional for all involved - it is and will continue to be uncomfortable for our country. However it is work which must be done. The Commission is two years into a three year work programme. We must not say anything or take actions which will threaten to undermine that work. Can I acknowledge the political unity which exists to achieve that truth.