Grace report delayed: Finian McGrath

The terms of reference for the inquiry into alleged sexual abuse of disabled children in a Waterford foster home have been delayed, Minister of State for Disability Issues Finian McGrath has confirmed.

Mr McGrath was expecting the terms of reference for the pending Government-sponsored Commission of Investigation last week, but they had not arrived on his desk last night.

Mr McGrath and the Government have committed to the inquiry once a scoping report and terms of reference are finalised, but the delay has caused significant concern.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner , Mr McGrath confirmed there was no sign of the terms of reference in his office on the eve of today’s Cabinet meeting.

The scoping exercise report being undertaken by senior counsel Conor Dignam is to form the basis of the Commission of Inquiry.

It is not clear if Mr Dignam has submitted his report as of yet to the department, but it had been expected by the end of May.

Mr Dignam did not respond to calls yesterday from the Irish Examiner yesterday.