– Need to establish how the leak occurred, according to Social Democrats spokesperson for Children
The Social Democrats spokesperson for Children, Jennifer Whitmore TD, has reacted with concern to the publication of details of the commission’s report in the media today.
Deputy Whitmore said:
“It is extremely disappointing that the leak has occurred. Survivors were given clear assurances about how the release of the report would be handled. The publication of details of the report in the media today flies in the face of this. Minister O’Gorman needs to set out how he will establish how the leak occurred.
“He also needs to set out again how he will consult with survivors and survivors’ groups and ensure that assurances made about how the report will be released will be honoured.”
Deputy Whitmore said the leaking of the details is a breach of the process for the release of the report, outlined by Minster O’Gorman on December 3 in the Dáil, when he said:
“The plan is that it will go to the Cabinet that week, and following the Cabinet meeting, the Taoiseach and I will host a webinar solely for survivors at which we will discuss and bring out the major conclusions of the report for survivors. It will only be after that point that it will be available. We will hold a press conference for the general public, but we will be engaging with survivors first and telling them first.”
Deputy Whitmore concluded:
“Survivors must come first, and their needs and the assurances given to them must be to the forefront as we await the release of the report.”
January 10, 2021