‘Deeply disappointed’ – Kilkenny TD urges Chair of Mother and Baby Homes Commission to appear before Dáil committee
A Kilkenny TD says it is “vital” that the Chair of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission appear before an Oireacthas committee hearing.
Deputy Kathleen Funchion spoke out after saying she is “deeply disappointed” with Justice Yvonne Murphy’s decision not to attend a meeting of the Oireachtas Children’s Committee.
The Kilkenny TD, who is also Sinn Féin’s children spokesperson and Chair of the Oireachtas Children’s Committee, said a lot of questions still need to be answered about the Mother and Baby Homes scandal.
Deputy Funchion said: “Last week in my capacity as Chair of the Oireachtas Children’s Committee I wrote to Judge Yvonne Murphy, Chair of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission, to invite her to attend the Commission.
“Yesterday, I received a reply from Justice Murphy informing me that she would not attend. I am deeply disappointed by this development. It is vital that the Chair of the Commission appears before the Committee to answer a number of crucial questions.
“Many survivors have been deeply hurt by the Commission report’s tone and approach. This has included insensitive language and an inadequate remit in terms of the number of institutions included.”
Deputy Funchion said many surviviors still have unanswered questions in the wake of reports that testimonies they gave to the Commission have since been destroyed.
The Kilkenny TD added: “These are all very serious matters which are of deep concern to survivors. I believe it is vital that Justice Murphy attends the committee so that survivors can get answers on these issues.
“I am very conscious that the Commission is due to be dissolved at the end of this month and therefore time is very short.
“If Justice Murphy is not available then I am asking for another member of the Commission to appear instead so that these important questions can be put to them.”
