Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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183. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of members remaining on the survivor forum; the number of resignations she has received; if there is a process to replace those that have left; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47549/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The independent Selection Panel which I appointed to nominate representatives to the Forum for my consideration, selected 19 applicants from the expressions of interest received.

There are currently 18 members plus the Chairman in situ. I have received 2 resignations since the Forum commenced its work and one of these vacancies has been filled.

The process of any further appointments will be considered on a case by case basis, having due regard to the representative nature of the Forum, its programme of work and the expressions of interest received.

A number of factors are considered when appointing a member to the Collaborative Forum. The membership of the Forum must reflect its remit to support and engage with those who were resident for a time in these institutions and those with comparable experiences in the former County Homes. A key consideration, therefore, is to retain a balance and diversity of stakeholder perspectives and experiences within the membership of the Forum. This includes maintaining an inclusive representation from across the various Mother and Baby Homes and related institutions being examined by the Commission of Investigation.