Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has called on the Government not to dissolve the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes to allow for a full investigation into the deletion of recordings of survivors’ testimonies.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson for Children, said:
“The commission is due to be dissolved on February 28 but this simply cannot be allowed to happen in light of these shocking revelations. Today in the Dáil, I called on the Tánaiste to extend the term of the commission so that a full investigation into the deletion of recorded testimonies can take place, and establish if any of this information can be retrieved.
“Many survivors felt that their testimonies were not accurately conveyed in the commission’s report and are understandably angry and hurt to learn that their recorded statements may have been deleted. The Data Protection Commission is also seeking answers.
“Any extension of the term of the commission should not impede the transfer of all information in its possession to the Department of Children by the planned date of February 28.
“The journey to justice for survivors has been paved with disappointment and setbacks – we simply cannot allow the State to fail them again.”
February 4, 2021