Flanagan Publishes Update On Mother And Baby Homes Investigation

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Charlie Flanagan, has issued an update of the proceedings of the government's Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes.

"Last week I announced details of a dedicated email address – motherandbabyhomes@dcya.gov.ie – to facilitate submissions regarding the terms of reference of the Commission of Investigation," he said.

"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."

The Minister added that he would meet with a number of key advocacy groups and opposition spokespeople, including church leaders, in the coming week.

"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.

(MH/JP)