Children's Minister Dr Katherine Zappone is to invite former residents of mother and baby homes to a facilitated consultation next month.

The event - which is open to former residents, their advocates and supporters - will be held in the Silver Springs Hotel, Cork on October 6th.

The Department of Children says the meeting will explore a number of themes - including whether there are particular supports in the areas of health and well-being that could be of value to former residents.

The meeting is to be held in private to "fully respect the right to confidentiality of all concerned".

The format will include plenary sessions and discussion groups.

In a statement, the department says: "Participants will be supported by a team of experienced independent facilitators to ensure the discussions are focused on hearing, interpreting and reporting their feedback."

The grounds where the unmarked mass grave containing the remains of nearly 800 infants who died at the Bon Secours mother and baby home in Tuam, Co Galway from 1925-1961 rests | Image: Laura Hutton/RollingNews.ie

This is the second event as part of the Government's response to issues identified so far by the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes.

The commission is investigating what happened to women and children in these institutions and comparable experiences in a sample of County Homes.

The first session was attended by over 100 people in Dublin on June 30th.

Minister Zappone said: "I look forward to meeting with former residents in Cork next month and to hearing their views on the Commission's reports to date.

"Integral to this facilitated process is our desire to listen and respond to the concerns of those most centrally involved."

Persons with an interest in attending are invited to submit an expression of interest here.

The department says priority for available places will be given to persons who did not attend the first event on June 30th.