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

On behalf of the Government, I thank all Deputies who made contributions to the debate. I welcome their positive and supportive comments and the expressions of support on the course of action we are embarking on. The babies in Tuam and the people connected to them have long held a place in my heart. From the very moment I heard of these tragic circumstances, I have made it my mission to do all I can to afford to them the dignity and respect they deserve, which they never had when they were alive. This was so integral to my motivation and work over the past year and eight months since the juvenile remains were discovered.

In the past few days, the headlines around the world reflect the depth of feeling that exists, not only in Ireland but also worldwide, for those with a connection to Tuam and the comprehensive understanding that we did what we needed to do because it was the right thing to do. I appreciate the support of the House in that regard. We have a duty to act to the greatest possible extent. I make a commitment here today, as I did to the Government on Tuesday, that every effort will be made to locate and recover all the juvenile remains on the site. Many Deputies mentioned that it is important that we carry with us realistic expectations with respect to the efforts to identify the remains, particularly in light of the way in which they were buried, which was in a most undignified manner. At the same time, we know we will not really know the extent to which we can succeed until we begin. I am appreciative of the Deputies' support. The Government intends to take the phased approach, step-by-step, beginning with the remains that we know exist and bringing the scientific teams together to do the work. I hope that as the work is begun and as the greatest expertise is brought together in terms of research and people, we will, even at the site in question, learn more about the potential for DNA testing, identification and analysis for the people. Even if we cannot find and identify the remains of victims whose brothers and sister believe so deeply to be at the site, at least they will know we have made every effort.

Deputies raised a number of questions and I am unable to address all of them this afternoon, but I can send them some answers in written form. Many of them raised the question of an inquest. That has been raised by the advocates as well, and I have spent a great deal of time with the survivors and families. It is the independent coroner who makes the judgment on having an inquest, and under the law that is on the basis of evidence brought to the coroner by the Garda. That decision has not been taken yet by the coroner in his independent judgment. Second, I remind the Deputies that the commission will be reporting early in the new year. To reply to Deputy Rabbitte's question, that is the timeframe that has been identified and agreed to. We will have the findings of the investigation then so there might be other information for the coroner. In addition, as the excavation and exhumation proceeds the coroner will be very attentive to what is discovered. The forensic archaeologist who led the team from the expert technical group that was with me on Tuesday indicated that it might be possible to identify some causes of death in that excavation and exhumation. It also might not be possible. An inquest has not been called for yet. That is dependent on the independent judgment of the coroner, but it is something the coroner will continue to examine and consider.

With regard to many of the other issues raised, part of the Government's decision is that I have to return to the Government with the heads of the Bill, a detailed project plan and a greater estimate of the cost in order to receive approval as we proceed. I will continue to update the House in that regard and, to the extent possible, have the Deputies contribute to the debates and conversations as we move forward. I appreciate their deep concern about the urgency of the task and the concerns about the residents. We have tried to take those into account in the decision. We will put in place an ongoing communication and community liaison with those residents. We are aware of the wider issues Deputy Burton and others have raised in terms of the adoption implications of these decisions. Work is ongoing in that regard and on other aspects of my ministry. Above all, I am deeply grateful for the Deputies' support for our decision to do things that have never been done before with regard to one of the greatest tragedies of our history, and for their empathy and concern to walk with us as we do what we can.

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