Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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217. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to concerns raised that an area under current excavation (details supplied) does not include underground cesspits which may also contain remains; if the commission is aware of such concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33111/16]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I am aware that the Mother and Baby Homes Commission is conducting a test excavation at the site of the Children's Burial Ground/Memorial Garden located in the Dublin Road Housing Estate, Tuam, Co. Galway. The Commission has publicly stated that a sample of the site is being excavated to resolve a number of queries that the Commission has in relation to the interment of human remains at this location. The Commission has also clarified that only a fraction of the site will be excavated through test trenches, the location of which have been informed by a Geophysical Survey carried out at the site in October 2015.

It is important to stress that the statutory Commission is independent in the conduct of its investigations. It has significant legal powers to assist in these enquiries. Therefore, the precise approach to its investigation is a matter for the Commission to decide and progress. I do not have any role or influence in these decisions.

If the Deputy, or any person, has information which they believe can assist the investigation, then I would encourage them to contact the Commission directly by email at or on the confidential freephone number at 1800 80-66-88.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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218. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the second interim report of the commission of investigation on mother and baby homes will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33112/16]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I have received a second Interim Report from the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes. Since receiving the Report I have met with the three members of the Commission to discuss the Report and the general progress being made with the investigation.

Given the scope of the Commission's work a number of topics in the Report extend beyond the remit of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. For this reason, I am consulting with Cabinet colleagues and the Attorney General with a view to publishing the Report in conjunction with Government's response to the findings of the Report.

I am sensitive to the expectations of former residents and hope to conclude this process as quickly as possible.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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219. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will consider requesting an audit of adoption records to ascertain the scale of illegal and forced adoption that occurred within the state, particularly those associated with mother and baby homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33113/16]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I do not propose to request that a full audit of adoption records be undertaken.