Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Counselling services for the survivors and families in respect of the Tuam and other mother and baby homes is a key concern for me. It is an issue that is being examined by one of the sub-committees established by the collaborative forum. I indicated at the end of my initial reply that I expect to receive a report from the representative stakeholders within six months. I have also told them that if they want to come forward with a report sooner than that I will be happy to receive it. I am particularly anxious to hear from the representative stakeholders what would work best in terms of psychological and wellbeing supports and how best to access it. We know what we need to do. What we are working on is how best to do it in order that people can access what they need.

On the question regarding my intentions for the treatment of the remains found at Tuam, we are working hard on a memo to be brought to Government to make decisions in that regard. I hope it will be ready within the coming weeks.

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