The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, announced the commission would be established in May 1999, following public outrage over revelations in RTE's States of Fear series. A Bill giving effect to this pledge became law on April 26th.
The commission will investigate child abuse in State institutions and religious-run primary and secondary schools since the 1940s. It will do so through two committees - an investigative committee which will be able to summon witnesses, request documents and make detailed findings; and a confidential committee for victims who simply wish to recount their stories. Both will meet in private.
Membership of commission:
Investigative committee:
Ms Justice Mary Laffoy, judge of the High Court (committee and commission chairwoman)
Dr Imelda Ryan, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist
Mr Fred Lowe, principal clinical psychologist
Confidential committee:
Mr Bob Lewis CBE, retired director of social services, Stockport, UK (committee chairman)
Ms Norah Gibbons, childcare director
Dr Patrick Deasy, consultant paediatrician