Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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1434. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to the discovery of unmarked graves at a site in Tuam, the reason family members are not being contacted and liaised with regarding the work that is taking place; and her plans in Tuam. [35457/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The Government is committed to responding to the discovery of infant remains by the Commission of Investigation on the site of the former mother and baby home in Tuam as effectively and as sensitively as possible.

I have appointed a multi disciplinary team of experts to provide technical advice's to Government in this highly specialised area. I want to ensure that the approach adopted is informed by technical input that accords with international best practice in this specialised area.

It is important to note that the geophysical surveys undertaken by the expert team were non-invasive and did not involve any excavations or disturbance of the ground. It is hoped that this survey may assist to identify any further burials or anomalies on the areas in the ownership of Galway County Council.

The expert team submitted a First Stage Report in early July, which is available on my Departments website at www.DCYA.gov.ie.The expert team is due to submit its final report in September 2017 and it will be published to support efforts to build towards a consensus on the next steps to be taken.

As promised, on 7 June I published information in relation to the expert teams geophysical survey in the monthly update. This update is posted on the Mother and Baby Homes section of my Department's website on the first Friday of every month and is available to all interested parties.

I am also advised that Galway County Council continue to engage with those with a personal connection to the site.