Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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710. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the details of information held by her Department regarding a fire at a convent (details supplied) in Cavan town in 1943; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63150/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department holds records in respect of the tragic events of 23^rdFebruary, 1943 when a fire occurred at St Joseph’s Orphanage, Cavan in which 35 children and 1 adult lost their lives. The records are part of an archive of files relating to Industrial and Reformatory Schools. The records also contain details of children who were resident in the orphanage at the time including details of children who sadly lost their lives or were injured in the fire.

Records relating to the Tribunal of Inquiry into the Fire as commissioned by the Department of Local Government and Public Health are also held in addition to records in relation to fire safety in Industrial Schools and measures taken in the aftermath of the tragedy to improve fire safety.

Enquiries regarding access to any relevant records can be made to the Residential Institutions Redress Unit, Cornamaddy, Athlone, Co. Westmeath or call 090 6483625.