Dáil Debates - By Topic

[Oral Answers]...the status of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes; the date by which she anticipates it will make its final report; and if she is satisfied by the progress of the Commission to date. [Q. No(s) 9 to Minister for Children and Youth Affairs ]

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[Oral Answers]...the status of the work of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes; when the next interim report is due; and her views on whether it will be more informative than the previous interim reports. [Q. No(s) 13 to Minister for Children and Youth Affairs ]

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[Questions] I ask the Minister to outline the status of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, the date on which she anticipates it will have a final report and whether she is satisfied with its progress to date. I also ask her to make a statement on the matter.[Rabbitte, Anne]

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[Questions] I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 13 together.
I thank Deputies Rabbitte and Maureen O'Sullivan for their questions. I know they are very interested in the work of the commission of investigation and supportive of former residents. Deputies will be aware that the commission of.....

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[Questions] I thank the Minister for her reply. Fianna Fáil and I welcomed the commission on the mother and baby homes when established. We recognise the vital importance of the commission in delivering justice and accountability for all those affected by mother and baby homes in Ireland. The thi...

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[Oral Answers]...if burial sites allied to former institutions are being examined for the purposes of further investigations and possible excavations. [Q. No(s) 36 to Minister for Children and Youth Affairs ]

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[Questions] Counselling services for the survivors and families in respect of the Tuam and other mother and baby homes is a key concern for me. It is an issue that is being examined by one of the sub-committees established by the collaborative forum. I indicated at the end of my initial reply that...

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[Questions] Will the Minister outline whether burial sites allied to former institutions are being examined for the purpose of possible further investigations? This is in the context of the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes and in the light of the speech that the Minister made ...

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[Questions] My experiences come from knowing and being with the ladies from the Magdalen laundries. Common among them is the sense of hurt, physical, mental and emotional, which they experienced. In the case of the Magdalen laundry ladies, the main concern is their ages and the timeframe in terms ...

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[Questions] The investigation of burial arrangements of persons who died while resident in what were termed mother and baby homes is a key focus of the terms of reference for the statutory commission of investigation. We know from the commission’s interim reports that it has dedicated significant t...

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[Questions] Am I correct that the Deputy's reference to a kick-to-touch exercise relates to the work of the collaborative forum?[Zappone, Katherine]

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[Questions] I welcome the Minister's reply and acknowledge that the commission has captured the personal experiences of more than 500 people, as the Minister noted in her speech in the Seanad. I ask her to be a little more specific about other institutions, if possible. Can I deduce from the Minis...

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[Questions] Yes.[O'Sullivan, Maureen]

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[Questions] The commission has recently conducted geophysical testing on the burial grounds located on the site of Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea, County Tipperary. The work is being undertaken following the receipt of further information from a member of the public. I understand that the commission h...

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[Questions] As previously indicated, the selection of a representative group of people for the collaborative forum was a complex and difficult task and it took some time to complete. We wanted to ensure we have a representative group with the authority to identify what is needed. If the forum want...

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[Questions] In that case, we can assume unambiguously that no geophysical testing of Bessborough has thus far taken place but that if the need arises, such testing will take place. Can a decision on that be expected when the report is published, or is the Minister, in consultation with her Cabinet ...

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[Questions] I wish the three sub-committees well. I note that chairs have been appointed to each of them. I was pleased to note that two of the representatives from the mixed race group are chairs of committees. I have tabled other questions which may not be reached today but are related to this ...

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[Questions] Yes, I confirm that no geophysical examination of Bessborough has taken place. I reiterate that if the commission decides there is a need to undertake an examination, I expect it to do so. As I have stated, I do not know what the commission will do because it is independent. Neverthel...

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[Questions] On other sites and the possibility of the remains of other children being buried etc., this is a matter for the commission. We are where we are in terms of Tuam because the commission did that investigation, produced its findings and brought them to Government. I have to respect the in...

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[Questions] I will continue in the same vein as Deputy O'Sullivan in speaking about Tuam because it is my constituency and I hold my clinics there. Owing to the age factor, these people require an awful lot of supports. There are ways in which we can assist them. The counselling service and the w...

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[Questions] I agree with the Deputy on this matter. As she knows, I have been to the site in Tuam many times. I have spoken to those affected both as a group and individually and I have met them at the site. Through these experiences I have come to a deeper understanding of the hurt and shame suf...

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[Oral Answers]...if she has considered the request by some survivors of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home to collect DNA from survivors and their relatives in order to ensure that as many human remains as possible can be identified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [Q. No(s) 39 to Ministe...

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[Questions] Has the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs considered the call by some survivors of the Tuam mother and baby home to collect DNA to ensure that as many human remains as possible will be identified and will she make a statement on the matter?[Mitchell, Denise]

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[Questions] I am aware of calls by the Tuam Home Survivors' Network for the Government to begin collecting their DNA samples immediately. They describe this issue as urgent, in light of the age profile and health status of some survivors.
The purpose of collecting samples would be to compare agai...

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[Questions] I am pleased that the Government is looking favourably on this request. This is a sensitive and sad topic. I hope that Dr. Shannon also looks favourably on it because it is important to the relatives and survivors.
It is my understanding that legislation would not be required if some...

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[Questions] I am aware of the concerns of, and the questions and request, from the survivors. I have heard them through the media, they have been in correspondence with me and I have talked to them directly. Because of that and having known and worked so well with them over the years, we want to r...

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[Questions] To return to Deputy Sherlock's question earlier, a geophysical survey was carried out by the commission at Sean Ross Abbey in Tipperary. The same religious order was responsible for Bessborough. The records contradict each other on the numbers who died. Many of the survivors are convi...

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[Oral Answers]...the role of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation in relation to its powers to order exhumations and excavations of graves. [Q. No(s) 6 to Minister for Children and Youth Affairs ]

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[Questions] That is a great question. The Deputy started by referring to the records showing that the numbers do not add up. The most comprehensive record and analysis of the records will be the commission's report on the burials and we will get that pretty soon. We have many others to be gratefu...

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[Questions] My question relates to the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes. Earlier this year the Minister stated the commission would have the power to order exhumations where appropriate, but its terms of reference contain nothing specific in this regard. Will it be ordering e...

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[Questions] May I ask a brief supplementary question on that subject?[Sherlock, Sean]

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[Questions] The Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 provides an effective, prompt and transparent mechanism to investigate complex and sensitive matters, while also respecting fair procedures and natural justice. The Act gives the commission robust powers to conduct investigations within its term...

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[Questions] Let it be brief.[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

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[Questions] There is a certain logic to the Minister's reply.[Daly, Clare]

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[Questions] We have to acknowledge that the Minister is giving the House some signal here that if the report makes an adjudication or finding in respect of Bessborough, there will be an action there and she will consult her Cabinet colleagues. I would be grateful if the Minister would reiterate on ...

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[Questions] I am looking forward to the report and its recommendations and analysis, and I do not expect that I will employ alternative principles in making recommendations to my colleagues on how to respond to it.[Zappone, Katherine]

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[Questions] To Bessborough?[Sherlock, Sean]

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[Questions] To Bessborough.[Zappone, Katherine]

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[Questions] I absolutely respect the feelings of the individual the Deputy referred to regarding her two brothers. The terms of reference laid down for the commission of investigation allow it to order exhumations if that is what it decides is appropriate in certain instances. This is right and pr...

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[Questions] Everyone welcomes the independence of the commission. I was impressed by the manner in which the Minister set it up and am glad it places an emphasis on the historical context of what went on at that time. However, within that we must be very careful that this is not used as an excuse....

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[Questions] The commission has enormous powers as is only proper and right. I welcome the Deputy's support for the social history element of the investigation because context is important. It is equally important that people have an opportunity to tell their story. Many of the stories I have hear...

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[Oral Answers]...the details of all homes and institutions that were excluded from the proposed inquiry into mother and baby homes, including the Magdalene Laundries and Westbank; the grounds on which these were excluded; the measures that are being put in place to ensure that survivors of these exc...

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[Questions] We have moved on to Other Questions and I ask Deputies to watch the clock.[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

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[Questions] I tabled my priority question as part of the lottery system and, strange to relate, have been seeking the first position for a long time and here we are.[Ó Caoláin, Caoimhghín]

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[Questions] Is the Deputy complaining?[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

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[Questions] It allows me the opportunity to once again address the issues we addressed during the priority question moment and the focus is again, of course, on those entities and people - that is what this is about - who consider they are currently excluded from the terms of reference for the upcom...

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[Questions] The proposed terms of reference for the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes and certain related matters were announced on Friday, 9 January 2015. Since the announcement, there has been a general acknowledgement of the comprehensive scope of the proposed investigative ...

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[Questions] I was hoping my anticipation that the Minister would give the same answer would be wrong, but there we are. Given the reference to institutions that were not the subject of previous State address, it is more than sad that the Magdalen laundries will be excluded because of the McAleese r...

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[Oral Answers]...if he will announce the date he plans to publish the report by the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related matters. [Q. No(s) 86 to Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth ]

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[Questions] When does the Minister plan to publish the report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes?[Funchion, Kathleen]

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[Questions] Following its five-year statutory inquiry, the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and Certain Related Matters delivered its final report to me on 30 October. I signalled previously that there would be a short time interval between receipt of the report and the separa...

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[Questions] I welcome the fact that there is a date for publication. I, along with many others, have been anxious to get a date but I am also mindful that today marks exactly three weeks to Christmas Eve. I have been speaking to many survivors and various representatives over the past two weeks. ...

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[Questions] Although I do not have the full list, the Protestant Magdalen Home which was a mother and baby home is included and named. It is open to the commission to give consideration to the role of the institutions referred to by the Deputy as part of the pathways and particularly the practices ...

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[Questions] Like the Deputy, I have been in touch with a significant number of survivors over the past number of weeks and I have heard the various views. There are various views out there. Talking to more and more of them as we get closer to Christmas - it has been a hard year for everybody - the...

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[Questions] The Minister will agree, as he has done previously, that this is a last opportunity for many. In his response to me, Deputies Sandra McLellan and Robert Troy who are present he was specific when he afforded us a briefing in advance of the media briefing on Friday a week ago. Those who ...

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[Questions] There a few final points I want to make. It is really important that survivors and people affected by this get the report first. While that might seem like common sense to everybody, there has been a history and a pattern of things being leaked and of people hearing media stories. I w...

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[Questions] I have just found the list of institutions to be examined and No. 6 is Denny House, Eglinton Road, Dublin 4, originally the Church of Ireland Magdalen Home, 8 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2.[Reilly, James]

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[Questions] The Deputy raises two important and separate issues there. On Bessborough, I am aware of the planning application. I have engaged with one of the leading survivor groups for survivors from Cork. I was looking at the planning application this morning. I am concerned about that plannin...

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[Questions] I understand, but the Nursery Rescue Society linked with it is not on the list.[Ó Caoláin, Caoimhghín]

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[Oral Answers]...the extent to which he consulted with and sourced international and national independent law and data privacy advisers in advance of the publication of the mother and baby homes report; if not, if he will appoint independent advisers of national and international standing in future;...

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[Questions] The issue of the trafficking of children is open to being considered by the commission which will decide how it is to be examined and how the media will be used to contact people. It will be open to the commission to recommend redress or otherwise. For me to do so now would be to preju...

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[Questions] The recent debates about the mother and baby homes situation brought into stark reality how important it is to have clarity on data protection, what rules will apply and who will be applying them to ensure we have a data protection system that is fit for purpose and has the needs of the ...

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[Oral Answers]...the timeline for the beginning of excavation works at the site of the former mother and baby home at Tuam; the draft legislation required to advance this project; the offers of financial contributions that have been made by religious orders and institutions; and if she will make a s...

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[Questions] As I stated in response to the previous question, the commission of investigation delivered its final report to me on 30 October. I had said that there would be a short time interval between its receipt by my Department and its publication. I have now outlined the plans for publication...

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[Questions] Will the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs outline the planned timeline for the beginning of the excavation works at the site of the mother and baby home in Tuam? What is the draft legislation required in advance of the project, and were there any offers of financial contributions...

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[Questions] The Government agreed an approach to dealing with the site of the mother and baby home in Tuam, County Galway, at its meeting of 23 October last. I am committed to leading this project. It is my view that a phased approach will mean an informed and targeted approach to the forensic exc...

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[Questions] I thank the Minister for her response. I know we dealt with much of this before the recess and, again, I commend the Minister and her Department on the work done here. The decision taken is certainly the right one.
The Bon Secours sisters announced that they would contribute to this ...

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[Questions] To answer the Deputy's first question, I have not sought nor received any contribution from any other religious orders. To be perfectly clear, the reason we did this in this circumstance is specifically related to the site and the remains of the children there and because knowledge and ...

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[Questions] I thank the Minister for her reply. It is a bit disappointing that she has not got any acknowledgement yet from the Vatican, and I want to put that on the record. I also note the Minister has committed to updating the House on this issue, and that is welcome.[Mitchell, Denise]

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[Questions] I thank the Minister for his response. I am pleased to hear that he has already made contact with experts. He mentioned that the Attorney General has given advice in regard to data protection. Previously, there was confusion as a result of the advice from different Attorneys General i...

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[Questions] I thank Deputy Mitchell for her question. It is pertinent given the discussion we had in committee yesterday. I understand the Minister attended a conference where the potential impact of this proposed legislation on other sites was widely discussed. Will the Minister offer some clari...

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[Oral Answers]...the reason the terms of reference for the commission of investigation into mothers and baby homes and certain related matters do not cover former Magdalene Institutions and adoptions which occurred at State hospitals during the relevant periods; and if he will make a statement on th...

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[Questions] The next question, submitted by Deputy Pringle, is specifically on the issue of the collaborative forum. If Deputy Whitmore does not mind, I will address her last question in my reply to Deputy Pringle, in which I will set out my past and future engagements with the forum. I have writt...

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[Questions] I was at an extraordinary conference in Boston last week. It brought together many top-class Irish scholars as well as some international scholars. It was a privilege to be there, I learned a lot, and I am taking much of it into account as we move forward. On the legislation itself an...

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[Questions] This question is on the same topic and seeks to find out why classes or categories of people were excluded. That said, there are a great number of positive aspects both to the commission that has been set up and its terms of reference. However, I my question focuses specifically on the...

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[Questions] Everyone wants to see the survivors being central to all the decision-making that happens from now on. Many of them were traumatised by the recent debates. It is really important that survivors do not feel they must fight for access to data concerning their own histories. I ask that t...

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[Questions] As the Deputy has just come into the Chamber, I will reiterate what I have said already, even though Deputies Troy and Ó Caoláin may now have heard it twice. To put it in context, as the Deputy is aware, I announced the proposed terms of reference for the commission of investigation int...

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[Questions] Absolutely. In respect of today's announcement about the publication date, we put survivors first by notifying them even before we notified the Dáil. That was the appropriate thing to do. When the report is published, it will be presented to the survivor groups and individuals concern...

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[Questions] Is this likely to happen in parallel or is there a sequence in which this additional work will be done? Is it likely to fall into the second part of the inquiry, where there will be an interim report? If the scope is to be extended to other institutions, how is it likely that such work...

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[Oral Answers]...the interactions he has had with the Collaborative Forum for Former Residents of Mother and Baby Homes since becoming Minister; when members of this Forum will receive copies of the sixth interim and final reports from the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes; his ...

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[Questions] From what I can tell, the last official meeting of the collaborative forum for former residents of mother and baby homes was this time last year, on 11 December 2019. There were 13 forum members present, including the chairperson, Dr. Gráinne Healy, as well as the Minister's predecessor...

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[Questions] I thank the Deputy for his question. I am committed to strong and ongoing engagement with former residents of mother and baby institutions and their advocates. The process of engagement with the collaborative forum, which was established by my predecessor, Katherine Zappone, as a repre...

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[Questions] I thank the Minister for his response. It worries me that he talks about it not being possible to have meetings of the collaborative forum. There is the option of video conferencing, which has been availed of by the Oireachtas. That could have been put in place. I am concerned that t...

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[Questions] There is work to do and I started that work by reaching out to, and having lengthy and detailed conversations with, many of the forum members. Some of them were very forthright in their views on the issues, as is absolutely appropriate. It was an important first step to rebuilding trus...

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[Questions] Perhaps we should have a question about the role of the Attorney General in the operation of the Department. It seems that everything has been done according to his say in this matter, and that is worrying.[Pringle, Thomas]

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[Questions] Since the Attorney General and I took office, I have found him incredibly supportive in the work that I have done. My engagement with him resulted in GDPR now applying to the archive, a significant step. Everyone has recognised it as such. That should be noted.
Obviously the Attorne...

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[Questions] In response to the Deputy's first question, much of the work will be done in parallel during the first phase. An interim report will be provided after 18 months. However, the Minister of the day can seek an interim report prior to that and it is also open to the commission to provide a...

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[Questions] The Minister said that it is open to the commission to come back to him for a variation or change in the terms of reference. Is such a request likely to go beyond Government and come before the Dáil? What is the process in relation to such amendment or change? I agree with the Ministe...

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[Questions] On that specific issue, it is important to point out that the commission would have to come back to me as Minister and I would then have to take up the matter with Cabinet. Beyond that, we are into the realms of conjecture. I believe we can afford the commission this flexibility. We d...

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[Oral Answers]...his views on concerns that survivors of an institution (details supplied) and their relatives regarding the possibility that unmarked graves and remains may remain at the site; if consideration will be given to enabling digs to take place on land around the site considering the owne...

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[Questions] Survivors of Sean Ross Abbey and their relatives are concerned that there may be unmarked graves and remains at the site that have not been located or identified. Will the Minister give consideration to enabling digs to take place on land around the site? The owner of Sean Ross is will...

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[Questions] I appreciate this is a deeply personal and sensitive issue for the former residents of Sean Ross mother and baby home, their family members and supporters. The Deputy has raised this issue with me on several occasions and I am happy to continue to liaise with him on it.
The investigat...

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[Questions] I appreciate that. Some of the residents feel very let down about the lack of engagement on the treatment of their data. We have been giving the Minister an opportunity to speak to survivors and it has now been five weeks. The process needs to be completed quickly. The Minister has g...

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[Questions] It is important that we get the report out and make decisions on anything that happens next as a result of receiving the report. I have committed to engaging directly with the Deputy and with groups he feels should be involved, even prior to the report. I do not know whether the Deputy...

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[Questions] I appreciate the offer the Minister has made to meet me and other groups who have not already been met. I do not doubt his commitment to it. In reality, some of the groups, particularly survivors of Shan Ross, say even on this issue of commissioning a new dig there has been no engageme...

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[Questions] I am happy to engage with them prior to the publication of the report if the Deputy wants. I will not be able to give a commitment on a new dig until after the report is published because it is important to see what the report says. A very extensive piece of the report is specifically ...

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[Oral Answers]...his views on the Facing the Future Together report which identifies the ongoing and future needs for the survivors of mother and baby homes and those incarcerated in residential institutions, industrial schools and other places of detention; his plans to implement the supports recom...

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[Questions] I ask the Minister to give his views on the Facing the Future Together report, which identifies the ongoing and future needs of the survivors of mother and baby homes and those incarcerated in residential institutions, industrial schools and other places of detention. Will he also outli...

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[Questions] In May 2019, the Facing the Future Together conference was organised by the Christine Buckley Centre to mark the 20th anniversary of the State apology to survivors and the ten-year anniversary of the publication of the Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse - the Ryan repor...

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[Questions] I thank the Minister. When this report is published, it will have huge consequences for former residents of these homes and their families. The report points out the types of abuse that the former residents have suffered in these institutions and the consequences it has had for many of...

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[Questions] When the report of the commission of investigation is published in the second week of January, the Government will also be publishing its action plan on how it is responding to the various recommendations and a number of these recommendations will be in the field of health and supports. ...

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[Questions] As has been said, the consequences and contents of the report and the publicity that has surrounded it to date make it harder on survivors. It outlines what the survivors have been living with for decades and the trauma that has manifested itself through all of the impacts, in particula...

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[Questions] I would be conscious, from my own engagement with survivors over recent weeks, of that wide range of impacts, including very profound impacts, that time in these institutions has had on survivors. One of the points we committed to in the Government statement made in October of this year...

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[Oral Answers]...if he has met with the Attorney General to discuss the position held by the Data Protection Commission as expressed in its observation on the data protection impact assessment commissioned on the legislation on mother and baby homes. [Q. No(s) 6 to Taoiseach ]

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[Questions] Following discussion of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes on 28 October last, the Government issued a statement on the matters of recent public concern and the next steps proposed by the Government. The statement sets out that the Government acknowledges and reg...

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[Questions] We now know that the Attorney General did not advise the Minister in respect of the GDPR legislation when we were told that he had. Was the Taoiseach aware of this? Will he now acknowledge that the information peddled by the Minister, the Taoiseach and the Government was totally false?...

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[Questions] After the debate that took place on mother and baby homes in the Dáil, we, like many other Deputies, were overwhelmed by the response from people and the anger, anxiety and concern expressed, particularly by those who had been in those institutions and suffered abuse in them. I held an ...

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[Oral Answers]...the status of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes; if she is satisfied with its progress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [Q. No(s) 24 to Minister for Children and Youth Affairs ]

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[Questions] Will the Minister outline the status of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes? Is she satisfied with its progress? Will the Minister make a statement on the matter?[Rabbitte, Anne]

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[Questions] I thank the Deputy for her question. I know she is interested in and supportive of the work of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes.
I am keen to provide a status update on the commission. It is important to reiterate that the commission is an independent statut...

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[Questions] In the course of the debate on the legislation, the Minister was advised that his position was wrong. He was challenged on that point and advised that European law and instruments had primacy over the 2004 Act that he was citing. That went in one ear and out the other. It alarms me th...

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[Questions] We as a party were very supportive when the Minister set up the independent commission of investigation and when she sought the various time extensions for it to report. As she said, one of its findings was the site in Tuam and the number of remains found there. It is a very complex is...

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[Questions] In the past decade or so, the State has opened up in an unprecedented way on many issues. I initiated the inquiry into the industrial schools as Minister for Education. Many people did not expect that would happen. I was the first to do it despite many survivors having gone to success...

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[Questions] There are two ways to respond to that. More generally, in terms of the mother and baby homes and the time that work is taking, I have described - as I am aware the Deputy has also - great empathy for the waiting that the people are experiencing. In that context. I believe the Deputy is...

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[Questions] We have got to the end and need to move to the next question.[An Ceann Comhairle]

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[Questions] I thank the Minister for her answer. She has outlined the complexity of what is involved and the various groupings with which she has to liaise. I and the people involved are very interested in the human rights aspect of this and the scope of the work that the special rapporteur on chi...

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[Questions] I want to finally say that I want to work with Members of the House on this. I am committed to having a centre which will tell the story and give people access. The Government is on the side of giving as much access as we possibly can and applying GDPR to the optimal extent to vindicat...

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[Questions] Regarding the Deputy's last question, that is absolutely and certainly my intention and I am pushing matters as quickly as I can.
With respect to the work of Galway County Council and the consultation it conducted using a variety of methodologies, I am aware there were criticisms about...

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[Oral Answers]...the steps in the process to exhume the bodies at the mothers and babies home site in Tuam, County Galway. [Q. No(s) 25 to Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration ]

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[Questions] I raise the issue of the mother and baby home in Tuam. It has been the subject of a considerable amount of documentation and reports and all kinds of investigations. I would like to know how the legislation on the exhumation of the bodies is progressing and the arrangements the Ministe...

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[Questions] I thank the Deputy. I am sure he will recall the general scheme of a Bill to give effect to a phased forensic standard excavation at the site of the former mother and baby home in Tuam. It lapsed earlier this year prior to formal pre-legislative scrutiny. It is my intention to seek Ca...

Vol-996 Book-6

[Questions] I thank the Minister. I stated the important point is that the locals be taken into account in whatever legislation is introduced. People close to the site have spent their years protecting it as a shrine and place of worship. They looked after it when the eyes of the world were not o...

Vol-996 Book-6

[Questions] I thank the Deputy for that. A significant number of people live in very close proximity to the site. I have not yet visited it. I will be visiting it. I hope to do so soon. I understand there are houses and gardens backing directly onto the site. I can only imagine how the attenti...

Vol-996 Book-6

[Questions] I appreciate the Minister's concern. I recommend that he visit the site. The former Taoiseach visited it. It was not a big publicity stunt as he made a private visit. If the Minister wishes to visit the site, he should let me know in his own time and I will show it to him. It is imp...

Vol-996 Book-6

[Questions] I spoke to the former Minister, Dr. Zappone, a couple of weeks after taking on my role and we talked through some of the key challenges facing me as the new Minister. Dr. Zappone spoke specifically about her visits. I believe she made a number of visits to Tuam. She spoke about the im...

Vol-996 Book-6

[Oral Answers]...when the final report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes will be published in view of the fact the crucial report for survivors has been delayed several times. [Q. No(s) 26 to Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration ]

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[Questions] My question is in a similar vein. I wish to know when the final report of the mother and baby homes commission of investigation will be published in view of the fact that the crucial report for survivors has been delayed several times.[Funchion, Kathleen]

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[Questions] I thank the Deputy. I am acutely aware of the importance of the commission of investigation and of how much the report is anticipated by the former residents and their families. The commission's final report is due to be submitted to me by 30 October 2020. It is important to understan...

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[Questions] As the Minister will be aware and, in fairness, has acknowledged, a number of dates were given for publication. As late as 3 June last, it was confirmed that it would go ahead on the expected date of 26 June. At that stage, everybody thought that would be the date. However, on 12 June...

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[Questions] I fully agree with the Deputy. In fairness to the commission of investigation, we are all aware that a chunk of our lives was missed this year and that has caused difficulties and delays for everyone in every context. I do not want to make comparisons because I do not want to minimise ...

Vol-996 Book-6

[Questions] While I understand the Minister's point, if the 30 October deadline is adhered to, it will be the first time a timeline will have been met in this whole scenario. The report should have been published before the Covid pandemic started. Covid should not come into this. I never know wha...

Vol-996 Book-6

[Questions] The Deputy makes a fair point. My Department has a network of people it communicates with on all issues to do with the mother and baby homes commission of investigation, and we will use that network. However, the Deputy is correct that we will need a clear communications approach as re...

Vol-996 Book-6

[Oral Answers]...if survivors of a home (details supplied) will be facilitated in gaining access to redress in advance of the final report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes. [Q. No(s) 27 to Minister for Children and Youth Affairs ]

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[Questions] Will survivors of the Bethany Home be facilitated in gaining access to redress ahead of the final report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes?[Mitchell, Denise]

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[Questions] Bethany Home is one of the institutions included within the terms of reference of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes. This particular institution was one of the first identified for inclusion when the scope of the investigation was being decided. Decisions on th...

Vol-968 Book-3 Page [328]

[Questions] I cannot understand the attitude of the State to this small group of survivors. There are fewer than ten survivors. They are getting on in years and they fear the State is using this as a stall and hoping they will pass away. The second interim report by the Commission of Investigatio...

Vol-968 Book-3 Page [328]

[Questions] I have a deep understanding of how upset and disappointed the survivors, especially of the Bethany Home institution, feel. I understand what the Deputy has described. I am aware of it and fully aware of what the commission of investigation stated in its second interim report and brough...

Vol-968 Book-3 Page [329]

[Questions] I do not doubt that the Minister feels for the survivors, but they have been listening to that response for decades. Other Deputies and I believe that is not right as it is denying the survivors justice and redress. Why has the commission not made a finding? Is there something deliber...

Vol-968 Book-3 Page [329]

[Questions] The commission is independent. I have had meetings and conversations with it and it has insisted that it needs more time to speak to and hear from the people involved. Many more have come forward than initially anticipated. It needs time to consider their histories and conduct investi...

Vol-968 Book-3 Page [329]

[Oral Answers]...if she has spoken with the Minister for Health regarding delays in access to mental health and well-being supports for survivors that have engaged with the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [Q. No(s) 28 to Ministe...

Vol-968 Book-3 Page [329]

[Questions] I am deeply conscious that giving testimony to a commission and revisiting difficult personal experiences will be distressing for many former residents. I know that some people may need to access various supports around this time. I also acknowledge that the Deputy has raised this issu...

Vol-968 Book-3 Page [330]

[Questions] The Minister and we all know that the women are reliving traumatic events when they appear before the commission of investigation and should not be left for over a year before they gain access to counselling. Will the Minister discuss this with the HSE and the Minister for Health to rea...

Vol-968 Book-3 Page [330]

[Questions] If the Deputy has a specific cases she wants to bring to my attention, I will be happy to bring it to the Minister for Health, specifically as I understand the women may require counselling as a result of engaging with the commission and offering their testimony. Health and well-being s...

Vol-968 Book-3 Page [330]

[Questions] I will forward some names to the Minister. Many women have been attending counselling services during the years at a cost to themselves. When they make their initial appointment, they find they must move from that counsellor. Many women who have developed a relationship with the couns...

Vol-968 Book-3 Page [331]

[Questions] I thank the Deputy for raising that very specific practical issue. I know from personal experience that it is very important. That kind of issue has been and will continue to be considered in the context of how we can offer these supports once we have discussed the matter and decided w...

Vol-968 Book-3 Page [331]

[Topical Issues] Less than two weeks ago, we sat here in the middle of an incredibly difficult week for survivors of mother and baby homes. Based on the advice of survivors and human rights lawyers, I and other Deputies opposed aspects of the Bill and proposed changes to help those affected access ...

Vol-1000 Book-2

[Topical Issues] I thank the Deputy for her query. I acknowledge the importance of the issue of access to the commission's archive, which is due to be deposited with my Department at the end of February 2021. I am committed to implementing fully the right of access under the GDPR for those who wis...

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[Topical Issues] I thank the Minister. I am sure he appreciates that there is considerable distrust among survivors and their representatives on this issue. Years of secrecy and denial, compounded by an adversarial system, have rightly left people sceptical about any Government announcement. That...

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[Topical Issues] The Deputy is absolutely right to say that survivors are essential to all of this. That is the key concern. As I acknowledged in my earlier contributions, I did not do enough to reach out to survivors prior to the introduction of this legislation. I am in the process of rectifyin...

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[Topical Issues] I welcome the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone. I appeal for the co-operation of Deputies. As we have three contributors to the debate, they have approximately 80 seconds each initially. Deputy Burton, you are first.[Murphy, Eugene]

Vol-947 Book-1 Page [308]

[Topical Issues] The reaction of the Government yesterday to the publication of the second interim report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes came as a slap in the face to many of the people affected by the issues being examined. The ruling out of redress was stupid and fo...

Vol-947 Book-1 Page [308]

[Topical Issues] Thank you, Deputy.[Murphy, Eugene]

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[Topical Issues] The other coverage on the matter is all about fear, including the fear of the mothers and children who were in mother and baby homes. This runs absolutely counter to how to deal with people with sensitivity and care and consideration. I exempt the Minister present from my comments...

Vol-947 Book-1 Page [309]

[Topical Issues] Thank you, Deputy. You have to give your colleagues a fair crack of the whip.[Murphy, Eugene]

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[Topical Issues] I welcome that the interim report is recommending further investigation into addressing the inclusion of those who have been excluded. I welcome that redress has been mentioned. This is obviously the reason we have had to wait seven months for it to be published.
I am concerned ...

Vol-947 Book-1 Page [309]

[Topical Issues] I hesitate to say it but the Minister has added to the abuse of the survivors and what they have suffered. There was no reason for the delay in the report. The Minister has given no proper reason for its delay. It should have been published last September.
Last Friday, the Mini...

Vol-947 Book-1 Page [309]

[Topical Issues] I thank the Deputies for raising this matter and providing me with an opportunity to discuss the publication of the second interim report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes.
The commission was set up to inquire into the conditions in mother and baby home...

Vol-947 Book-1 Page [310]

[Topical Issues] The Minister must have had a very bad day at Cabinet yesterday because of the briefing around the story and the unnamed coward of a Minister who would not actually put his or her name to what he or she said on the front page of a national newspaper. If that person feels that strong...

Vol-947 Book-1 Page [311]

[Topical Issues] What the survivors have always wanted is acknowledgement, apology and inclusion. The interim report goes some way to saying it warrants further investigation into including those who have been excluded. The decision on which institutions to include and exclude was very inconsisten...

Vol-947 Book-1 Page [311]

[Topical Issues] When the Minister delayed the report until yesterday, she failed to go back to the commission and ask them to update the report. Events overtook that report and what was discovered in Tuam shocked the Government. The Minister failed to go back to outline the significance of what h...

Vol-947 Book-1 Page [312]

[Topical Issues] Thank you, Deputy.[Murphy, Eugene]

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[Topical Issues] Mr. Peter Mulryan, who has given me permission to use his name, is in the High Court trying to get access to his records. It is time for the Minister to stop nodding.[Connolly, Catherine]

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[Topical Issues] Please, Deputy.[Murphy, Eugene]

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[Topical Issues] It is time to actually listen. I will finish now-----[Connolly, Catherine]

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[Topical Issues] The Deputy is way over time.[Murphy, Eugene]

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[Topical Issues] I am, Chairman. I agree with that. Ms Anna Corrigan from the survivors organisation gave the Minister a list of very practical things last Friday. I ask the Minister to please respond to those.[Connolly, Catherine]

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[Topical Issues] I appreciate the additional comments of the Deputies. In response to Deputy Burton with regard to stories on the front page and what they say, I do not have any information on that. I know that oftentimes things-----[Zappone, Katherine]

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[Topical Issues] The Minister's Government agreed it. That briefing was agreed by her Government.[Burton, Joan]

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[Topical Issues] -----are reported that may or may not have happened. I accept and hear what the Deputy is saying, but I just do not have any comment on that. I wish to say very clearly that in terms of the Government's response, it does not mean we have closed off redress for those who have been ...

Vol-947 Book-1 Page [312]

[Oral Answers]...if she will consider a request by a group (details supplied) to remove the word home from the Commission of Investigation and replace it with the word institution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [Q. No(s) 39 to Minister for Children and Youth Affairs ]

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[Questions] My question relates to a request from a group of survivors from the mother and baby homes because they find it offensive that the word "home" is used to describe something that was an institution. They were hoping there might be some move on removing that word "home" in whatever way tha...

Vol-933 Book-1 Page [790]

[Questions] I am aware of the request by the group in question to remove the word "home" from the arrangements for the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes and certain related matters and to replace it with the word "institution". When the term "home" is used to describe instituti...

Vol-933 Book-1 Page [790]

[Questions] I appreciate the Minister's answer. I understand the legality of it. Nobody would want the process of the investigation to be slowed in any way because it has been such a long time coming. At least we have the opportunity today to draw attention to the fact that the word "home" has ce...

Vol-933 Book-1 Page [791]

[Questions] I thank the Deputy for drawing attention to this. I share her empathy and commitment. I will say a little bit more about the use of the word "home" because it is important that we put a spotlight on this now. In light of the issues raised by this group, what I have been trying to say ...

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[Questions] The naming issue might seem like a small matter but it is important to the group that brought it to our attention. Coming up to Christmas, we are very conscious of home and the various Christmas songs such as "Driving home for Christmas". It is important that we make the point today. ...

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[Questions] I remember well the evidence provided by the mixed race group when I was a member of the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. Their evidence was very powerful and impactful. I hope some of them were in the position to offer testimony and to bear witness to the commission. ...

Vol-933 Book-1 Page [791]

[Topical Issues] I thank the Minister for taking this matter tonight. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on the interim report on the mother and baby homes. It is ironic that this week is the 20th anniversary of the State's apology to the survivors of Ireland's industrial and reformatory s...

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[Topical Issues] It is about 2,000.[Burton, Joan]

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[Topical Issues] That is frightening. The report also notes there are 830 missing bodies and refers to misleading affidavits from nuns. There surely has to be some repercussions for it. It bewilders me. It states in the report that there is a small burial ground in the grounds of Bessborough tha...

Book-178 Page [430]

[Topical Issues] I thank the Deputy for raising the matter of the fifth interim report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and Certain Related Matters, which I published on 17 April 2019. This comprehensive report focuses on the burial arrangements in the institutions bein...

Book-178 Page [431]

[Topical Issues] I thank the Minister for her reply. She mentioned that the Government is fully committed to this. The Retention of Records Bill - the Minister who introduced it, Deputy McHugh, has just left the Chamber - proposes to withhold from public inspection every document gathered or made ...

Book-178 Page [432]

[Topical Issues] My personal sentiments are with the Deputy. It was awful to listen to the Deputy outline the story of the woman who was in one of the homes. Most of the Deputy's commentary relates to information that has been provided, but they cannot get access to it. My personal sentiments res...

Book-178 Page [433]

[Topical Issues] The commission of investigation into the 14 mother and baby homes - the term "homes" in that context sticks in my throat - and four county homes was due to report last February. Time was extended on the basis of the workload involved in investigating these institutions. Last year'...

Vol-977 Book-6 Page [795]

[Topical Issues] The request for a second extension from the commission is the last straw for many of us here and certainly for many of the survivors. The request should be refused. I am very curious to hear what the Minister's attitude is and what level of warning she was given by the commission ...

Vol-977 Book-6 Page [796]

[Topical Issues] Has the commission of investigation asked for an extension of time? If so, when was the request made, how was it made and how long has the Minister known? I ask these questions in the knowledge that four and a half years ago, in July 2014, the then Minister for Children and Youth ...

Vol-977 Book-6 Page [796]

[Topical Issues] I thank my Independent colleagues for raising the fourth interim report of the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes and certain related matters, which deals with the questions being asked today. The commission was established to investigate the conditions in mothe...

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[Topical Issues] I call the three Deputies in the same order as heretofore.[Durkan, Bernard J.]

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[Topical Issues] I thank the Minister for her reply. However, it has not answered any of our questions fully. The Minister has said that she met Judge Yvonne Murphy last week "to discuss the request for the extension of the timeframe for the delivery of the commission's reports and to ensure [she]...

Vol-977 Book-6 Page [797]

[Topical Issues] The essence of what was in the newspapers is correct. The final report was due in February, which would have been a year later than was originally intended. We are now hearing that it will not be published. I appreciate that this is not the Minister's fault. She has been left to...

Vol-977 Book-6 Page [798]

[Topical Issues] I am afraid I am not so sympathetic. I am holding the Minister to account because her answer is not acceptable. When and how was she approached by the commission in relation to an extension? Why are the grounds for an extension not set out in the Minister's reply? Why do we not ...

Vol-977 Book-6 Page [798]

[Topical Issues] I thank the Deputies, most of whom asked when the request came in. It was received in December.[Zappone, Katherine]

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[Topical Issues] When in December?[Connolly, Catherine]

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[Topical Issues] It is an interim report.[Zappone, Katherine]

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