‘No plan’ to investigate alteration of vaccine trials files

The Government concedes it has “no plans” to investigate the alteration of files relating to vaccine trials at the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home, saying the current commission of inquiry will handle the matter.

Responding to a parliamentary question from Deputy Clare Daly calling for an investigation into the matter, Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone said the current Commission to Inquire into Mother and Baby Homes had the power to fully examine the issue.

“I am satisfied that the present commission has sufficient legal powers to compel witnesses to disclose documents and to provide answers on all related matters. I have no plans to separately investigate these matters. In my view, the public interest is best served by allowing the Commission to progress its investigations and to establish the facts of what happened in these homes and to make any recommendations it considers appropriate. This work is due to be completed by February 2018,” she said.