Following the announcement by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth that the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and Certain Related Matters had retrieved the backup tapes containing the audio recordings from the Confidential Committee, Fianna Fáil Senator, Erin McGreehan, has written to the Minister asking for clarity regarding what the Department are planning with the most sensitive of records.
Senator McGreehan said, “I am relieved that the backup tapes were retrievable. However, it is very important that the tapes are dealt with sensitively. These tapes are confidential; it was envisaged that the tapes were not to be heard by anyone else, only those who took the testimonies in the Confidential Committee. The witnesses were given the guarantee that their words are confidential. 80 individuals have requested that the tapes be redacted and that will be done. Witnesses are entitled to their own story and entitled not to share it with anyone.
“I would now ask is it appropriate that these tapes are all placed into the archive? I believe the witnesses are the only people entitled to their personal information and their words need to be protected.
“I have written to the Minister asking for clarity regarding these tapes. This is such an incredibly sensitive matter and I look forward to working with the Minister to ensure their audio testimonies remain private.”
“These tapes contain their words, their history and it is their right not to share if they wish.”
The Senator added, “There are calls to extend the life of the Commission but to what end. The Commission is now clouded in darkness – it is a very sad indictment of nearly six years of existence with such an important job to do. The contradictions and the seemingly lack of clear procedures and methodology has all led to this Report and the Commission being put in doubt.
“The advice is that if the Commission is extended, the consequences of that would be that the Database and Archive may not be able to be passed to the Minister. The relevance of this is that the Subject Access Requests, where people through GDPR legislation are able to get all their records, would be delayed. The women and adoptees cannot wait any longer.
“Let the Oireachtas look at the report and take the necessary actions. This is hugely important, and people should be able to get immediate access to this” concluded the Senator.
