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

I am aware of calls by the Tuam Home Survivors' Network for the Government to begin collecting their DNA samples immediately. They describe this issue as urgent, in light of the age profile and health status of some survivors.

The purpose of collecting samples would be to compare against any DNA profiles that may be generated from the juvenile human remains found at the site of the former mother and baby home in Tuam and, if possible, to make positive identifications. These issues will ultimately be addressed within the legislation that is currently being scoped by my Department. However, I am sympathetic to the concerns of survivors that their ages and health profiles introduce an element of urgency.

I would like to respond as positively as possible to the survivors' request having regard to the current legislative framework. With this in mind, I have asked Dr. Geoffrey Shannon to examine whether it is possible to meet this request. This examination will be done in the context of what is legally and scientifically possible. In examining this matter, we need to be conscious that important issues arise in respect of the handling of sensitive personal information. It should be possible to find a solution that takes account of survivors' wishes, while providing appropriate safeguards.

Dr. Shannon will consult my officials in the course of his work and provide a report to me in the coming weeks.

See this speech in context