Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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576. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the action she will take following the resignation of a person (details supplied) from the mother and baby homes collaborative forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47801/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I remain absolutely committed to inclusive, constructive and collaborative engagement with former residents of mother and baby homes and other stakeholders.

I established the Collaborative Forum as a progressive response to the theme of “nothing about us without us” which emerged from my consultations with former residents of these institutions. This innovative approach facilitates and empowers former residents to actively contribute to decisions on matters of concern to them and their families.

I understand that the members of the Forum are working hard to produce a first report with a focus on priority issues around health and well-being supports, identity and memorialisation.

The filling of the current vacancy will be considered having due regard to the representative nature of the Forum, its programme of work and the expressions of interest previously received.