Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

36. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if burial sites allied to former institutions are being examined for the purposes of further investigations and possible excavations. [7071/19]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Will the Minister outline whether burial sites allied to former institutions are being examined for the purpose of possible further investigations? This is in the context of the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes and in the light of the speech that the Minister made to the Seanad on 6 February, when she indicated that the commission plans to deliver a substantial report on the burial arrangements for persons who died while resident in the institutions by 15 March 2019. She went on to state that the commission's assessment of burial arrangements at other major institutions is also being considered. What is the state of play vis-à-vis other institutions?

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The investigation of burial arrangements of persons who died while resident in what were termed mother and baby homes is a key focus of the terms of reference for the statutory commission of investigation. We know from the commission’s interim reports that it has dedicated significant time and effort to advancing its investigations of these matters. While I understand the urgency and sensitivity surrounding these questions given the advancing age of many former residents and their families, the Deputy will be aware that the statutory commission is independent of Government in the conduct of its investigations.

In response to the commission’s confirmation of juvenile remains at the Tuam site, the Government approved a comprehensive programme of action, including a phased excavation, exhumation and identification programme, in so far as it is possible. We were guided by families and campaigners, the residents of Tuam and the best expertise available to us in making this decision. All reasonable steps will be taken to ensure that the children interred at the site will have a dignified and respectful burial and to assist their families and the wider community in seeking answers to as many questions as possible.

To answer the Deputy's specific question, the commission has yet to issue findings in respect of burials at other locations. Last month, I announced that it plans to report on the burial arrangements at these institutions in March 2019. The extensive technical reports prepared in the course of the commission’s work on the site of the former Tuam mother and baby home will also be included in the report and, therefore, it will significantly assist my Department’s ongoing work to advance the necessary legislative and operational arrangements for the Tuam site. Most significantly, I have been informed that the commission intends to use the report to outline its findings in respect of the burial arrangements for the other institutions within its remit.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister's reply and acknowledge that the commission has captured the personal experiences of more than 500 people, as the Minister noted in her speech in the Seanad. I ask her to be a little more specific about other institutions, if possible. Can I deduce from the Minister's reply that other former institutions are being examined, and that there will be a report to that effect? The Tuam site is well documented and a process is under way. Can we expect a process in respect of other parts of the country?

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The commission has recently conducted geophysical testing on the burial grounds located on the site of Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea, County Tipperary. The work is being undertaken following the receipt of further information from a member of the public. I understand that the commission has examined the burial plot at Bessborough but has not conducted a similar geophysical examination. Burial arrangements at Bessborough are being examined, however, and will be reported on in the burials report.

The commission’s initial testing may lead to more invasive test excavations if it believes such work would be of assistance. I will seek formal Government approval to publish the burials report as soon as possible after I have had an opportunity to consider its findings. It will be a significant report.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In that case, we can assume unambiguously that no geophysical testing of Bessborough has thus far taken place but that if the need arises, such testing will take place. Can a decision on that be expected when the report is published, or is the Minister, in consultation with her Cabinet colleagues, taking steps in the interim to have geophysical testing done at the site?

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Yes, I confirm that no geophysical examination of Bessborough has taken place. I reiterate that if the commission decides there is a need to undertake an examination, I expect it to do so. As I have stated, I do not know what the commission will do because it is independent. Nevertheless, having questioned the chair of the commission, Judge Yvonne Murphy, when I met her regarding the fourth interim report, I know that the commission will provide us in its report with the final word on its findings in respect of burial sites.