Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I have had the opportunity to visit the site at Bessborough with a number of survivors and former residents. I know there are differing views on the excavation and reburial of human remains at that site. When we discussed Tuam, there was absolute agreement about the treatment of remains and the State's response. I do not think there is unanimity about the response at Bessborough. That is not to say that the State should not do anything but it is important that when we speak of engaging with survivors, we must recognise that different survivors sometimes have different views as to how the State should respond on a particular site.

I point to the fact that in respect of Sean Ross Abbey, the State supported survivor groups to undertake further investigations. It has happened previously. It is, however, important that we try to seek some degree of consensus among the survivors on our approach to these sites.

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