Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

49. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the report of the expert technical group dealing with the site of the former mother and baby home at Tuam, County Galway will be brought before Cabinet; when it is expected that the report will be discussed in Dáil Éireann; if the report will be tabled for discussion before the end of the 2017 term; if not, the reason therefor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50188/17]

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

In June of this year I appointed a multi disciplinary team of technical experts to ensure that decisions on the future of the site of the former Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, Co. Galway would be informed by international best practice. As I have advised the Deputy recently, I have now received the Expert Technical Group's final report. I propose to bring the report to Government shortly with a view to its publication. To assist me in this regard I have sought the advices of the Attorney General and my Department is consulting with relevant Departments and agencies in relation to the practical issues which will arise upon publication.

The Expert Group's preliminary report outlines the range of options which could be considered as next steps on this site. I published this report on my Department's website in July. The Expert Group's final report fully explores each of 5 options, including the feasibility of delivery and what outcomes might reasonably be expected for this specific site. These options range from the least technical to the most complex responses which are feasible at this site.

My primary concern is to ensure that whatever action is taken respects the memory and dignity of the deceased children who lived their short lives in this institution. The report will be published to support efforts to build towards a consensus and I can assure the Deputy that consultations will take place with stakeholders before any decisions are made on the future of the site. I am of course willing to discuss this report in the House at a suitable opportunity. However, I would suggest that such discussion would benefit from first allowing those most centrally involved an opportunity to read the report and have their say.