Written answers
Wednesday, 20 March 2024
Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Mother and Baby Homes
Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
1148. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 14 December 2023, if the negotiation process between the expert negotiator and religious orders with regard to contributing to the mother and baby institutions redress scheme has been completed to date; if not, the expected timeline for the conclusion of the negotiation process; when the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12339/24]
Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes made significant findings in relation to the failings of the State and religious bodies, who together ran Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions. The Government believes all relevant parties have a collective responsibility to respond to the legacy of these institutions.
In May 2023 the Government approved my proposal to appoint Ms Sheila Nunan to act on my behalf in leading negotiations with religious bodies which had a historical involvement with Mother and Baby Institutions. This is with a view to securing a financial contribution towards the cost of the Payment Scheme and it followed on from a series of meetings that I myself held with the bodies.
Both my departmental officials and I are committed to supporting Ms Nunan in her work. As part of this, I have procured financial experts to support Ms Nunan in her negotiations. This expertise from Ernst and Young is in place since 15th Nov 2023 and is ongoing.
While I cannot specify a date on which the process will conclude, I would anticipate that this process will conclude within the coming months. These negotiations, while ongoing, are being treated as confidential. A full report will be provided to Government once the negotiations are concluded.
No comments