Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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143. To ask the Minister for Health if, further to the recent and unfolding events of the former St. Mary’s Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, County Galway and the Government's response to same, including the remarks made by the Taoiseach in Dáil Éireann in response to same, he will confirm that in the course of actions initiated on behalf of clients against the orders and the HSE the State will not rely upon the Statute of Limitations Act 1957 (as amended) in defending these actions nor cite inordinate or inexcusable delay on behalf of persons bringing these actions as a reason for having same dismissed or struck out, and that the State through the HSE in defence of actions will reference only the substantive issues and will not be relying on the Statute of Limitations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14603/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The sad confirmation that human remains were found on the site of the former Mother and Baby Home in Tuam has disturbed everyone in this House and beyond. As the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has made clear, the Government is committed to truth recovery and this, of course, is not the domain of any single political party but is owned by all.

In getting to the heart of the matter, we have the crucial ongoing work of the Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters) which was established to provide a thorough and objective account of the experiences of women and children who lived in Mother and Baby Homes over the period 1922-1998.

The Deputy has asked about potential legal actions. It would not be appropriate for me to speculate on such matters, particularly as it relates to third parties.