Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

108. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will consider publishing the collaborative forum report given that the Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2022 has been published; if he will engage with this group as his Department works through the certain institutions (authorised interventions) Bill and restorative recognition scheme for former residents of mother and baby homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5326/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am committed to ongoing engagement with survivors and their advocates in the context of implementing the wide-ranging actions approved by Government in responding to the findings of the Commission. These actions, which take account of the Collaborative Forum’s recommendations, are intended to respond to the priority needs and concerns of former residents and their families.

I recognise that many survivors want to contribute to the development of solutions to the issues of concern to them and their families. I have personally engaged with survivors and advocacy groups, including the Collaborative Forum, since my appointment and I will continue to engage with those centrally involved with these matters.

As outlined in the published Action Plan for Survivors and Former Residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions, we are transitioning towards new enhanced arrangements to support inclusive and sustainable stakeholder engagement on a larger scale. This development is essential in facilitating a survivor-centred approach to the important work being advanced across Government. I will be bringing detailed proposals in this regard to Government early this year. As part of this process, I intend to meet with the Forum again and finalise arrangements for publication of the Forum's report.

Collaborative Forum members have actively contributed to the pre-legislative scrutiny of the Certain Institutional Burials (Authorised Interventions) Bill and the Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2022. In addition, Forum members had a dedicated session as part of the consultations on the Payment Scheme. The Forum is also represented on the steering group for the NUIG research project examining language, terminology and representation.

Members of the Forum, past and present, continue to receive updates on Mother and Baby and County Home developments through the mailing list maintained by my Department. These communications will be supplemented with the introduction of quarterly updates on the implementation of the Action Plan.