IRELAND
Irish Examiner
Thursday, August 06, 2015
Conall Ó Fátharta
The Mother and Baby Homes Commission has refused to answer questions on how its Confidential Committee — set up to gather testimony from survivors — will work.
The Irish Examiner posed a series of questions to the commission relating to the operation of the committee, which was set up to listen to the experiences of those who spent time in mother and baby homes.
The information pack sent by the commission to people wishing to give evidence states that their testimony will be heard by a committee member, with “an experienced person” taking notes in what is described as an informal process.
An audio recording will be taken with permission. It also states people will not require legal advice or assistance, although they may choose to have a solicitor accompany them.
If the person wishes to give evidence to the commission’s investigation then, with permission, “the recording may be used by the commission’s legal team” in relation to the person’s appearance before the Confidential Committee.
On foot of this, the Irish Examiner asked:
* Will all interviews with the Confidential Committee be recorded, unless a witness does not consent to this?
* Will a transcript and audio copy of the recording be provided to the witness?
* What is the area of expertise of the experienced person taking notes when a witness is being interviewed?
* Will a copy of those notes be sent to the witness?
* Will the witness have an opportunity to clarify anything s/he believes does not reflect her/his testimony?
* Will witnesses be given a copy of the general report of the Confidential Committee?
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