The Dr Giraldi Home Inquiry has issued a press release in conformity with the Inquiry's previously stated intention to keep members of the public regularly informed as to the progress of its work.

Documents.

The Inquiry has already examined a very large volume of documentary material and has identified a substantial number of documents relevant to its investigation.   This process is on-going, and is likely to continue for some time.

Invitation to the Public.

Last March, the Inquiry issued a public notice inviting individuals and organsations to place before it matters of potential relevance to its work. That notice explained in detail the nature and scope of the matters on which the Inquiry wished to hear from the public including any allegations critical of the Dr Giraldi Home and of the conduct of members of staff towards each other and towards residents at the Home (including temporary residents and those attending the home by way of respite care). By the closing date for the receipt of representations no additional representations had been received.

Witnesses.

The Inquiry has contacted a large number of individuals who, it considers, may be able to provide material evidence and assistance to the Inquiry, and it has, where appropriate, requested that they provide the Inquiry with written statements.   Potential witnesses have also been asked to confirm their availability to give oral evidence at the main hearing of the Inquiry, if so required.   Under the terms of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, the Chairman of the Inquiry has power to compel a witness to attend the Inquiry to give oral evidence

Website.

The Inquiry is launching its website today (www.drgiraldihomeinquiry.gi) to assist it in keeping the public informed of news relating to the Inquiry, forthcoming hearings and other information.

A number of key documents have been uploaded onto the website such as:

1. press releases issued to date;
2. public notices issued to date;
3. the Protocol on Funding issued by the Inquiry to provide legal assistance to eligible persons together with the relevant application form;
4. the Provisional List of Issues which the Inquiry is currently minded to investigate.

First Preliminary Hearing.

The Inquiry will hold a preliminary hearing on 20 June 2013 to finalise the list of issues to be investigated at the main hearing of the Inquiry and to address various procedural and administrative matters in advance of the main hearing.  The detailed agenda for the preliminary hearing will be announced shortly and will be posted on this website. The preliminary hearing will be held in public.   At the preliminary hearing, the Inquiry will hear representations relating to the matters to be dealt with at that hearing by or on behalf of any person, organisation or agency wishing to appear at the hearing, whether in person or by a legal representative.   Any person or organisation wishing to do so should provide the Inquiry by no later than noon on Tuesday 18 June 2013 with a written summary of their proposed representations and with the identity of their legal representative (if any).

Funding of legal expenses may be available, pursuant to the Protocol on Funding mentioned above.

As mentioned above a Provisional List of Issues, setting out the issues which the Inquiry is currently minded to investigate, is posted on the Inquiry website in the ‘Key Documents’ section.  In finalising that list the Chairman of the Inquiry may, in his discretion, amend or expand it in the light of any representations made in relation to it at the preliminary hearing.

No oral evidence will be heard at the preliminary hearing.

The preliminary hearing will be held at the Coroner’s Court, top floor, Law Courts Building, Town Range, Gibraltar and will commence at 10am on 20 June 2013.

A further preliminary hearing may be held in July 2013 (on a date to be announced) should the Chairman of the Inquiry consider that a further such hearing is appropriate in all the circumstances.

Main Hearing.

The Inquiry remains hopeful that it will be possible to hold the main hearing, at which oral evidence will be given, in the Autumn

Future Progress.

The Inquiry is conscious of the need to complete its work as soon as is practically possible and will continue to do all it can to avoid unnecessary delays.   However, the timetable for completing its work inevitably depends to a significant extent on the submission of statements and information or documents by potential witnesses and the impact this may have on time required to prepare for and complete the main hearing.