Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
142. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps that he is taking to engage with survivors concerning the forthcoming intervention at the Tuam site under the Institutional Burials Bill 2022. [50329/22]
View answerSince taking Office I have visited the site of the former Mother and Baby institution in Tuam and met with survivors and relatives of those who died while resident in the institution. I carefully considered the issues raised by them in the development of the Institutional Burials Act 2022.
The Act, which was signed into law in July 2022, provides the underlying legislative basis for an intervention, whereby the remains of those who died in residential institutions in respect of which a public body has or had a relevant role, and who were buried in a manifestly inappropriate manner, may be recovered and re-interred in a respectful and appropriate way. It also provides for the identification of remains and their return to family members, where possible.
On 4 October, the Government made an Order under the Act to establish an independent Office to lead an intervention at the Tuam site. The making of the Order follows on from Resolutions in the Dáil and Seanad last month approving the draft Order that was agreed by Government in July. Progress at the various stages has been communicated to survivors and any other stakeholders who have expressed an interest in receiving updates on these issues from my Department through our dedicated mailing list.
Arrangements for recruitment of a Director to head up the Tuam Office are currently being finalised and my officials are liaising with the Public Appointments Service in this regard. Preparations are also underway for the appointment of an Advisory Board to provide advice and guidance to the Director. The legislation provides that the Board will consist of six members and will include a former resident and a family member of the deceased. The Director will be required to consult with the Board at regular intervals, including at key decision points in an intervention.
In addition, in line with the provisions of the Act, the Director will be required to provide regular updates on the intervention to family members, stakeholders and the public.
