Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 June 2014
129. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the coroner has received any communications from members of the gardaí, as required by section 18(3) of the Coroner's Act 1962, in regard to the remains found in the grounds of a home in Tuam, run by the Sisters of the Bon Secours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24947/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware I have asked the Garda Commissioner for a report in relation to the issues arising with respect to the Tuam Home. I understand that Gardaí have been in contact with the Coroner as part of their preliminary examinations of this matter. Although the functions referred to by the Deputy relate to the independent role of the coroner under the Coroners Act 1962, my understanding is that circumstances did not arise which would have led to a communication of the kind referred to by the Deputy. In any event, the Deputy will be aware that the complex and tragic issues relating to Mother and Baby Homes are to be the subject of a Commission of Investigation, informed by the work of an Interdepartmental Group which has been gathering information on this subject and on which my Department has been participating fully.
