Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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272. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to carry out a survey and assessment of a site (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6453/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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As the Deputy will be aware, Bessboro Mother and Baby Home is one of the institutions currently being investigated by the statutory Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters. As part of its terms of reference the Commission is directed to investigate and to make a report on burial arrangements in respect of persons who died while resident in these institutions. Therefore, I have no plans to carry out any parallel or separate investigation at the site of the former mother and baby home at Bessboro, Blackrock, County Cork.

The Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 provides the Commission with significant powers in the conduct of its investigations. It is a matter for the independent Commission to determine the methodology and approach it employs in the course of its investigation.

I understand that the Commission has recently advertised nationally seeking information from anyone who has personal knowledge, documentation or any other information relating to the burial arrangements of children who died while resident in that institution.

I await the outcome of the Commission's investigations.