The sister of a child with intellectual disabilities who spent time in the southeast foster home at the centre of sexual abuse allegations has raised concerns over the terms of reference of the official inquiry into the home.
The girl, known as 'Sarah', was removed from the same home by her mother in the 1990s because of abuse concerns.
The commission of investigation into the home will initially look into the case of 'Grace' who was left in the foster home for 13 years after sexual abuse concerns surfaced.
It will then examine the cases of 46 other people who stayed at the home, including 'Sarah'.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Prime Time, 'Sarah's' sister said the terms of reference do not go far enough.
"The key seems to be keeping it nice and narrow.
"Let's look at what's barely comfortable for people and there seems to be a lack of commitment to really honouring the process and honouring all the victims and the survivors who were placed in that foster placement," she said.
Warning: explicit content
She told the programme that her family was first alerted when her sister displayed sexual behaviour when at home.
"'Sarah' was home on a Sunday afternoon with Mom playing in the sitting room and just being in the space and 'Sarah' was a beautiful young child and Mom said a very innocent turn of phrase and to her absolute horror 'Sarah' kind of got into a position, took down her pants, and kind of got into a sexual position."
'Sarah's' family moved her from the home.
"'Sarah' is a victim of this but she's also a survivor and she is one of the most incredible human beings I know.
"I have no idea of the pain, the physical pain and the mental torture".
Minister of State with responsibility for Disabilities Finian McGrath introduced the revised terms of reference to the Dáil and Seanad this afternoon. There were no objections made by members in either house.
It paves the way for the commission of investigation to begin its work under Senior Counsel Marjorie Farrelly.
It is expected that an interim report will be complete in six months and a final report in 12 months.
'Sarah's' sister said she was disappointed in the way the investigation is being "rolled-out".
