Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim mo chuile dhea-ghuí ar an Seanadóir Landy freisin. Is iomaí speáráil ar chúrsaí éagsúla a bhí anseo againn sa Seanad, ach is fear uasal é. I wish to be associated with the comments regarding Senator Landy, with whom I had many a ding-dong across this parliamentary floor. I always found him a very able combatant in that regard and an absolute gentleman when I met him afterwards. He is also great craic and great company. He is a wonderful man and I wish him all the best.

I have previously called for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to come to the House to update Members on the progress of the work of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes. I am acutely aware that many of the survivors are elderly and have many health issues and other issues they want to have addressed. Some of them are living in unsuitable conditions and they seek practical supports, which are not being made available to them. They also are looking for the truth as to what happened to their siblings, mothers and loved ones connected to them. I hope we can have that debate.

I have also raised on a number of occasions the issue of the St. Anne's site, also known as Lenaboy Castle, in Galway city. It is a former Black and Tans barracks. We know from historical documents that there are tunnels under this building and some of the land surrounding it. I understand that heritage and archaeology reports have been done on the site. We have asked for these to be made available but there appears to be some blockage in that regard. We want to ascertain whether there are burial grounds on the site. Is the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government aware of these reports, has he had sight of them and has he been consulted on the transfer of that building and land to Galway City Council, which has also been given €750,000 by the Sisters of Mercy as part of that deal? If, God forbid, there is need for an archaeological survey at this site, similar to that being carried out in Tuam, will there be an associated cost and if so, will it fall on the State, Galway City Council or some other agency? I wish to ascertain whether the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government has been made aware of these issues and whether he has received a report in this regard. If so, will he report to the House on it?