Troy Welcomes Progress on Mother and Baby Homes Investigation
Published on: 09 January 2015
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children Robert Troy TD has welcomed the publication of the terms of reference of the independent investigation into practices in so-called ‘Mother and Baby’ homes across the country.
Deputy Troy was speaking after meeting with the Children’s Minister. He commented, “When this issue broke into the public consciousness last year, it caused a lot of distress to very many people, especially the survivors and relatives of those who were committed to these institutions.
“Since the beginning, Fianna Fáil has been of the view that the terms of reference for any investigation should be sufficiently flexible to allow the stories of widest possible range of institutions to be told. I opposed early suggestions of a very narrow terms of reference and proposed a facility for interim reports.
“It appears that these concerns have been taken on board and that the Government has the scope to allow Judge Yvonne Murphy examine any institution which she believes warrants an investigation. There will also be an interim report after 18 months.
“Minister Reilly must now ensure that all survivors are aware of this process so that they have the opportunity to tell their story in a sensitive and confidential setting and be afforded the necessary support and counselling. I will be meeting with survivor groups next week to discuss the terms of reference and assess how this process can be best progressed.
“The treatment of mother and children in these institutions is a dark chapter in our country’s history. If, as a society we are to ensure a proper child protection environment in the future we need to fully understand this past. My hope would be that this investigation under the direction of Yvonne Murphy can contribute in a meaningful way to this process.”