Grace commission extension
Deputy Howlin raised concern about the 12-month extension to the Grace commission and asked whether extra resources had been sought. Deputy Bruton said the extension was requested because of the volume of documents and witnesses, and that no additional resources had been requested.
I think Deputy Burton wants to be on your list of speakers, a Cheann Comhairle.
Comment on this
I am sure she is. We understand that the commission of investigation into the Grace case was granted a 12 month extension yesterday. It has been under way for a year now under Marjorie Farrelly and was due to submit its phase 1 final report around this time. We understand issues have been identified about possible witnesses and examining all the necessary documents. We also understand concerns have been expressed by victims' families of the highly confrontational and indeed adversarial nature of the commission's work. This is an issue of grave concern that this House debated at some length a year ago. Could the Minister bring us up to speed on exactly where the investigation is at? I accept it is a matter entirely for the independent commission but this House set it up. When is it expected that its first phase of work will be completed?
The Minister will know that there is a group of very vulnerable people who were to be subject to further work once the first phase was completed. There are a lot of concerned individuals who are very anxious that there would be further delay in investigating their treatment. Could I ask the Minister please to update us on exactly the state of play in relation to the Grace commission?
Comment on this
I understand that the sole member, Marjorie Farrelly, SC, requested on 27 April an extension of 12 months to complete phase 1. The request for the extension was on the basis of the enormous volume of documentation disclosed to it from a wide range of public bodies, organisations and individuals and also the number of potential witnesses involved. The commission believes that a further 12 month period would be consistent with the objective of having the investigation for the first phase of its work conducted and the report submitted as expeditiously as possible. The Minister has granted that extension of time for 12 months.
Comment on this
Were any additional resources requested?
Comment on this
No, I have not got details of any requests for additional resources.