Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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449. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the engagements in November 2020 with survivors of mother and baby homes and their representative organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41347/20]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I am committed to ongoing engagement with former residents of Mother and Baby Institutions and their advocates.

As an important first step in meeting this commitment, I have personally spoken to a number of former residents and advocates in this area over recent weeks, including a majority of the Collaborative Forum. In addition, I have read and responded to the views of many stakeholders who have written to my Office in relation to these issues. 

As I announced on the 3 December, I am advancing arrangements to seek Government approval to publish the final report of the Commission of Investigation on Mother and Baby Homes during the week of 11 January next. In keeping with the practice and policy of my Department, former residents and advocates on our mailing list were contacted first to tell them of the planned publication arrangements before this timeframe was confirmed publicly.  

It is clear that new demands will emerge in seeking to facilitate dialogue and engagement on the Commission’s report and the State’s response to its findings. We must also take account of the continuing challenges presented by the restrictions necessary to reduce the public health risks associated with Covid-19. To advance matters, I have given my commitment to convening a meeting of the Collaborative Forum in whatever manner is possible following the publication of the report. 

I want to consult with members of the Collaborative Forum and others on a new and enhanced model of engagement, which builds upon the strengths of the existing process, to add to the Forum’s significant work to date. In particular, I want to increase opportunities for direct participation in this process and to raise the awareness and visibility of this work.  I am mindful of the importance of facilitating an inclusive process which provides a safe space for all perspectives on these deeply personal and sensitive issues.