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Children and Youth Affairs Minister Dr James Reilly today announced that Judge Yvonne Murphy has agreed to Chair the Commission of Investigation into matters related to mother and baby homes.

Minister Reilly said:

I am delighted that a widely respected person of the calibre of Judge Yvonne Murphy has agreed to head up this investigation. Judge Murphy has a very strong track record in effectively establishing the truth in relation to important and sensitive matters. She is ideally suited to this challenging role. The Government may give consideration to the appointment of further members to the Commission but I believe Judge Murphy’s agreement to undertake the role of Chair of the Commission is a very positive development in the process to establish an effective and independent investigation.

The Minister also today published the report of the Inter-Departmental Group on Mother and Baby Homes. The Report is the product of the work of the Inter-Departmental Group, established in early June, to assist the Government in scoping the necessary examination of this important issue.

The Minister said:

The Government is committed to the early establishment of an effective Commission of Investigation into matters related to the mother and baby home controversy. The Report is an important input into the Government’s deliberations on the scope of the Commission of Investigation. My Department has also received submissions on the terms of reference for the Commission from over 120 groups and individuals. A number of meetings have been held with groups. Collectively these inputs and consultations will assist the Government in finalising proposals for the Commission’s establishment. I will update Dáil Éireann tomorrow (17th July). My predecessor and I have engaged with party spokespersons and I intend to continue this process in order to achieve as much consensus as possible.

“On the return of the Dáil after the Summer recess I intend tabling a draft order to establish the Commission under the Commission of Investigation Act, 2004 together with a statement providing an estimate of the costs to be incurred by the Commission in conducting the investigation and a time frame for its work. This is a complex task and it is very important it is completed to the highest standard. As highlighted in the Report of the Inter-Departmental Group, past experience indicates that the establishment of a Commission of Investigation must be handled very carefully and precisely in order to ensure the Commission is set up on the most sound footing possible.”

Read the full press release

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Download the Report of Inter Departmental Group on Mother and Baby Homes

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