Zappone Repeatedly Misled Oireachtas - Lied About U.N. Special Rapporteur

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone has lied repeatedly --including to the Oireachtas-- about her intent to invite U.N. Special Raporteur, Pablo de Greiff to Ireland to provide international human rights oversight of the Government's response to issues around the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby homes. 

The Big Lie began on 1st June, 2017 when Dr de Greiff's proposed visit to Ireland was first mentioned by Minister Zappone -who cited his "extensive experience and insights which I believe will help me as a Minister".

The deception deepened on 12 December 2017 when the Seanad was told that the Government had formally decided to invite the UN Special Rapporteur. 

"I will work with my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, to arrange this invitation," said the Minister. 

Full steam ahead then, eh? It sure seemed like it, because by 13th February, Zappone told the Dáil that 

"Arrangements are at an advanced stage and I expect an invitation to be issued to Mr. de Greiff in the coming days." 

That was over two months ago. No further word has issued.

So, guess when Dr. de Greiff reaches the end of his term as Special Rapporteur? 

Try this: "Pablo de Greiff was appointed by the UN Human Rights Council... in 2012. He was renewed in 2015 and will hold the position until May 2018."

May 2018 is a mere week away!! 

So go ahead and ask Minister Zappone:

Not, when did the Government decide to invite Dr. de Greiff
We know that was in December 2017: 

Rather, ask her: 

• 1) When did the government actually extend any invitation to Dr. de Greiff?
• 2) What specific invitation was extended?
• 2) When does Dr. de Greiff's term in office end?
• 3) On what date will Dr. de Greiff visit Ireland?
• 4) In what capacity will he visit?
• 5) With whom will he meet?

It's definitely worth asking.


References:
1 June, 2017 - I am asking my Government Colleagues to support me in inviting the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion of Truth, Reparation and Guarantee of Non-Repetition, Pablo de Greiff to visit Ireland.Dr de Greiff has extensive experience and insights which I believe will help me as a Minister and us as a Government to promote truth, justice and reparation as he has done with a wide range of other governments.
MerrionStreet.ie Gov PR

Further to her previously announced idea of establishing some kind of a truth commission, Ms Zappone also said she will be inviting the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence Pablo de Greiff, from Columbia, to Ireland.
‘Will It Be A Year Where We Womaned Up?’ Broadsheet 


2 June, 2017 Dáil- The minister also announced her intention to invite the UN's special rapporteur on the promotion of truth, reparation and guarantee of non-recurrence, Pablo de Greiff, to visit Ireland in the coming months. He could help ensure that we are taking the right approach in terms of our response into the future," she said.
Experts to analyse remains at Tuam Independent

7 June, 2017 Dáil- She also confirmed that she has requested UN special rappoteur for the promotion of truth and justice Pablo de Greiff to examine whether a truth and reconciliation review of what happened should be set up.

You weren't allowed touch your own baby Journal

5 December 2017 DCYA - The Government believes that the expertise and experience of the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence, Mr. Pablo deGreiff, would provide valuable assistance in responding to the issues relating to mother and baby homes.....  The Government will specifically invite the Special Rapporteur to participate in a conference on how Ireland is addressing these matters. The Minister will work with her colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to arrange this invitation.

Government approves extension of time for Commission DCYA.gov.ie

12 December 2017 Dáil - The Government has decided to invite the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence, Mr. Pablo de Greiff, to visit Ireland. I will work with my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, to arrange this invitation. It is important to say that these developments have been welcomed by a number of advocates who recognise the progressive nature of the Government's approach.
Seanad Debate KildareStreet.ie

13 February 2018 Dáil - I have previously relayed my commitment to the House to inviting the UN special rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence, Mr. Pablo de Greiff, to come to Ireland. I believe he can assist us in our endeavours to establish the truth and advise us on how best to move forward and deal with this part of our history. Arrangements are at an advanced stage and I expect an invitation to be issued to Mr. de Greiff in the coming days.

Dáil Éireann Oireachtas.ie