Finian McGrath to receive ‘Grace’ inquiry terms

The provisional terms of reference for an imminent State inquiry into the ‘Grace’ foster home abuse scandal are set to be given to Disabilities Minister Finian McGrath this week.

The Irish Examiner understands the terms are focussed on current child- safety procedures and the risk of another incident occurring, the actions officials responsible for Grace’s care did and did not take, and when these professionals first became aware of the abuse claims.

The provisional terms for the inquiry were first announced just days before the February general election was called. The terms are based on the views of an independent report by senior counsel Conor Dignam, who has been examining the scandal for more than a year.