Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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514. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to conduct a geophysical survey at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26262/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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As the Deputy will be aware, Sean Ross Abbey 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.

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.

Therefore, I have no plan to conduct a geophysical survey at the site of the former mother and baby home at Sean Ross Abbey, Roscrea, County Tipperary.

I await the outcome of the Commission's investigations.