Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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164. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the recent sale of a former mother and baby home (details supplied); and the action she will take to exclude potential burial sites from the sale following the recent finding of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes that an organisation failed to provide evidence that infants were not buried in unapproved cemeteries. [21194/19]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The investigation of burial arrangements of persons who died while resident in this institution, and other similar institutions, is a key focus of the terms of reference for the statutory Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes.

We know from the Commission's Fifth Interim Reports that it has dedicated significant time and effort to advancing its investigations into these matters. I published the Fifth Interim report on the 16 April 2019 and it has been circulated to relevant state authorities for their consideration and appropriate attention.

The Commission has conducted geophysical testing on the designated child burial ground located on the site of Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea Co. Tipperary. The Commission has stated that it will report further on its findings at Sean Ross Abbey in its final report next year.

I am advised that the burial sites at the former Sean Ross Abbey site remain in the ownership of the Religious Order and were not part of the sale. While I do understand the deep sensitivity around these issues, the Deputy will be aware that the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs does not have statutory powers or responsibilities in relation burial grounds or a role in the Planning and Development Acts.