Update from Minister Flanagan re Mother and Baby Home Commission of Investigation

Wednesday 25th June 2014 

Following the Government decision to establish a Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, the process of developing a detailed terms of reference for the Commission is underway, led by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs who is being supported by a high level Cross Departmental Review Committee.   

As part of the scoping and review exercise currently underway, Charlie Flanagan TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, last week announced details of a dedicated email address to facilitate submissions regarding the terms of reference of the Commission of Investigation ([email protected]/* */). Today (Wednesday, 25th June) Minister Flanagan stated: 

“Last week I announced details of a dedicated email address to facilitate submissions regarding the terms of reference of the Commission of Investigation ([email protected]/* */). 

“I welcome the responses that we have received through the dedicated email address to date. In order to adhere to the tight timeframe agreed, I am asking that submissions regarding the Terms of Reference be submitted no later than 12.00 pm on Monday, 30th June 2014.”   

This week Minister Flanagan is meeting with a number of key advocacy groups as well as Opposition spokespersons and Church leaders. 

Minister Flanagan stated: 

“Following the Government decision to establish a Commission of Investigation, there have been calls for the inclusion of a range of other institutions and concerns and these will be given consideration as part of the process underway. 

“I am pleased to have an opportunity to meet with a number of advocacy groups as well as the Opposition spokespersons this week. Any submissions made to me during these consultative meetings, which are ongoing, will be fed into the process.   

“I am working on an inclusive basis on this important initiative and I wish to see an effective Commission in place which will address these important matters on a sensitive and timely basis.” 

The Cross Departmental Review Committee continues to meet and is collecting a range of information in preparation for further detailed consideration by Government. The Group will report to Government before the end of June 2014. 

It has already been confirmed by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs that it is  intended that the scope of this Investigation will go beyond the home operated by the Sisters of Bon Secours in Tuam and will deal with other Mother and Baby Homes, including the Bethany Home.   

Minister Flanagan continued: 

 “Agreement on the terms of reference of the Commission is a matter for Government and it is my intention that the Oireachtas will agree the terms of reference under the Commission of Investigations Act 2004, before the summer recess.” 

The Minister again directed interested parties to the Department of Children & Youth Affairs website (www.dcya.gov.ie) which contains information on the process underway as well as details of an information line and an out of hours professional counselling and support service.