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Children & Youth Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan speaking to the media in June on the Government’s plans to set up a Commission of Investigation into practices in Mother & Baby Homes around the country.

Childrens’ Minister Charlie Flanagan briefed Cabinet on the interim report of the Cross Departmental Review Committee. The Committee, comprised of senior officials from eight government departments and a number of State agencies, was asked to scope the issues relevant to a Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and to report by the end of June.

Minister Flanagan stated:

Following disturbing revelations regarding the Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, Co. Galway, the Government, with the support of the Oireachtas, committed to establishing a Commission of Investigation to examine these homes.

The report of the Cross Departmental Committee is a preliminary examination of a very complex range of issues. It will inform the Government’s deliberations on the terms of reference of the Commission of Investigation.

Over 100 submissions have been received from a range of individuals and groups and these will be of assistance, together with the report of the Cross Departmental Committee, in finalising terms of reference for the Commission.

I am deeply aware that there are people living with the daily reality of these painful experiences, so establishing an appropriate inquiry which is capable of effectively addressing these important matters in a sensitive and timely manner is my primary concern. I intend to move ahead with the work to finalise a terms of reference in consultation with Government colleagues and to bring a resolution to the Oireachtas for consideration prior to the summer recess to facilitate the making of an order to formally establish the Commission.