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·       Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters) issues Seventh Interim Report to Minister Zappone

·       Completion of work delayed because of Coronavirus

Statement by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, has today published the Seventh Interim Report from the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes.

The report from the Commission is short, but it highlights that the work of the Commission, like every other activity in Ireland, has been affected by the restrictions imposed as a consequence of Covid-19. 

The report confirms that the Commission and its staff have been working remotely during the period of lockdown.  While the final report is very close to completion, in order to comply with Public Health advice and directions, logistical difficulties have arisen.  As a result, the Commission is requesting a revision of the timeframe for submitting its final report until 30 October 2020.

Responding to these developments, the Minister said:

Covid-19 has impacted and restricted all of our lives in many ways. Our older citizens, which include many of the former residents of the institutions, have been deeply affected by this public health crisis. Even though the Commission has been working diligently during this time, they have been hampered in completing their report and are not in a position to deliver it as previously agreed on 26^th June.  I know former residents will be deeply disappointed with this delay.  However, I also know that they will understand the effects and restrictions of Coronavirus on everyday life.

At its meeting today the Government agreed to a request from the Commission for an extension of four months to allow it to complete its final report. The report is now due to be delivered on 30 October 2020.

The Minister will ensure that former residents, their families and supporters are among the first to learn of the new timeframe.