Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2017
70. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the site of the former mother and baby home in Tuam, County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43787/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March 2017 the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes released a statement confirming that human remains had been found on the site of the former Mother and Baby home in Tuam, Co. Galway. In early June I appointed a multi disciplinary team of experts headed by Forensic Archaeologist Niamh Mc Cullagh to provide technical advices to Government in this highly specialised area.
This was done to ensure that the approach adopted is informed by technical input that accords with international best practice in this specialised area. The Terms of Reference of the Expert Group's work are available on my Department's website at www.dcya.gov.ie. On 7 July 2017 the Expert Team submitted a preliminary first stage document which outlines the potential range of options which could be considered as next steps on this site. Again, this report was published on my Department’s website at www.dcya.gov.ie.
In July the Expert Team conducted an extensive non-invasive geophysical survey on site at Tuam. This consisted of data collection through a variety of non-invasive techniques, over the course of 5 days. Department officials are currently liaising with the Expert Team, who are due to submit their final report shortly. I have asked the expert team to provide its technical advice in easy to understand language, so that we can all appreciate the options for the site and what each option would entail. This information will help us have a much better-informed consultation on the future of the site. Once I have received the report a course of action can then be agreed upon to build towards a consensus on the next steps to be taken.
