Jennifer Whitmore TD has called for all-party support in advance of the Social Democrats’ Private Members’ Motion on Wednesday, which seeks an extension of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson for Children, commented:
“This is an issue that goes beyond party politics. The term of the Commission is due to end on February 28, which is less than a week away. Therefore, there is an urgent need to act now.
“It is very clear we need a one-year extension of the Commission to resolve issues for the survivors who had their recorded testimonies deleted without consent. This extra time is also needed to allow for a full investigation to take place by the Office of the Data Protection Commission and other relevant authorities.
“The Minister for Children has now revealed that back-up files may exist for these recordings and the Government is trying to ascertain if any of the deleted data can be retrieved. This latest development gives rise to more questions than answers and further justifies the need for an extension of the Commission.
“The term of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission has been extended before and it simply must be done again on this occasion.
“The Social Democrats’ Private Members’ Motion on Wednesday will give the Dáil the opportunity to do the right thing by survivors.”
February 22, 2021