Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 March 2019
33. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has considered the burial report from the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes; when she plans to publish it; her views on the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14338/19]
View answerThe Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters) submitted a Fifth Interim Report to me on 15 March 2019.
It is a substantial report which focuses on the burial arrangements of persons who died while resident in these institutions. The report includes extensive technical reports prepared in the course of the Commission’s investigations into the burial site associated with the institution formerly known as the Tuam Mother and Baby Home and the Commission’s assessment of burial arrangements in respect of a number of other institutions within its remit. It also reports on burial arrangements in circumstances where the remains were initially transferred to educational institutions for anatomical examination.
I intend to seek formal Government approval to publish the report after I have the opportunity to discuss the report with the Commission and consult the Attorney General as appropriate. I will seek to conclude these considerations as soon as possible. Subject to this I intend to publish the report before Easter.
The dignity and memory of those who died in these institutions is central to my approach to these matters. I am mindful of the expectations of their families for an early publication date of the report.
My Department will advise representative groups, and those who have been in contact with the department on these matters, of developments prior to the publication of the report.
Given the importance and sensitivity of these matters, I do not propose to comment further on the contents of the report in advance of it being made public.
