The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Katherine Zappone TD, has today announced the appointment of Dr. Gráinne Healy as the new Chair of the Collaborative Forum for Former Residents of Mother and Baby related Institutions. The appointment is for a period of 12 months.
In announcing her appointment Minister Zappone said:
“Dr. Gráinne Healy is a proven leader in the social justice sector. She is a successful chairperson, facilitator, evaluator, trainer and social inclusion projects manager.
"I want to thank Gráinne for agreeing to take on this ambitious task. I know her wealth of experience will be invaluable to the continuation and further development of an effective Forum. I will work with Gráinne and the Forum to continue inclusive, constructive and collaborative engagement.
"I wish her every success in this important role.”
In line with the Government's response to the Forum's initial report, a number of actions, including a comprehensive analysis of all of the Forum’s recommendations by relevant departments, continue to be developed.
As Chair of the Forum, Dr. Healy will work to effectively support former residents to enable them to continue to contribute to Government’s deliberations on issues of concern to them and their families.
Note to Editors.
Dr. Gráinne Healy’s areas of expertise include gender equality, violence against women, LGBT rights, leadership skills and strategy and social inclusion in Ireland and the EU, and she has received numerous awards for her work in these sectors. She is a campaigns expert, researcher and published author.
She has worked with Sláintecare, chairing the citizen engagement strategy group, building public and staff knowledge and understanding of Sláintecare health reform plan.
Gráinne is former Chairwoman of the National Women’s Council of Ireland, Member of the Board of the Equality Authority of Ireland and the Women’s Health Council of Ireland.
Gráinne has been Chairwoman of Marriage Equality, Ireland since 2004. Having been involved in significant campaigns for equality and women’s rights for over 30 years, Gráinne continues to be committed to equality for all.