Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 25 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 3

Written Answers - Treatment of Human Remains.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

24 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a large quantity of human bones excavated during development works at Mullingar, County Westmeath, is in the possession of the keeper of antiquities at the National Museum; if her attention has further been drawn to a request by local people in Mullingar to have those bones returned for reburial;and if she will have this sensitive issue resolved. [234/98]

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

25 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her Department has a policy position in relation to the excavation, examination, storage and long-term treatment of human remains; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24782/98]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera):

Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 24 agus Uimh 25. le chéile.

In answering these questions I think it is important to outline some background information on the matter. In 1990 the human remains of four individuals, dating from the 13th to 15th centuries, were recovered from the Mullingar town dump by the National Museum of Ireland acting on information received. These human remains are presently in the care of the National Museum. In the light of recent representations on this issue seeking to have the remains returned for reburial the National Museum has agreed to this request.

Development works on a nearby site in Mullingar in 1995 also led to the excavation of further human remains — in this case of a further 60 individuals. These remains are not in the custody of the Keeper of Antiquities of the National Museum but are being studied, on behalf of the private archaeologist licensed to excavate the site, by a specialist in the scientific research of human remains. When the research is complete it is envisaged that the remains will be included in the national anatomical collection of the National Museum in due course because of their scientific value. The Deputy will be aware that the information that can be gleaned by specialist archaeological bone experts can be very comprehensive and can shed important light into our history. The anatomical collection is also used for medical research and is a crucial national resource.

In relation to the policy issues involved I acknowledge that there are considerations involved which are wider than just those of science. The Heritage Council has been asked to assist in formulating policy proposals on this subject for my consideration having regard to all the aspects involved, including ethical and other non-archaeological considerations. I understand that this request from the museum will be considered by the council at its next meeting in December.