Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

107. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the commitment to excavate the burial site at Tuam; when the director for authorised intervention will be appointed; the support that will be provided to the director in ensuring that excavation works can commence on the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50738/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Institutional Burials Act 2022 came into effect on 15 July last. It provides the underlying legislative basis for an intervention to recover and respectfully re-inter the remains of those who were buried in a manifestly inappropriate manner. It also provides for the identification of remains and their return to family members, where possible.

The legislation requires that the excavation, recovery and post-recovery analysis of remains is undertaken by appropriately qualified persons at a forensic standard and in accordance with international best practice and professional rules and guidelines.

On 4 October, Government agreed to make an Order under the Act to establish an independent Office to lead an intervention at the site of the former Mother and Baby institution in Tuam, Co. Galway. The making of the Order follows on from Resolutions in the Dáil on the 14th September and the Seanad on the 21st September approving the draft Order that was agreed by Government in July.

Arrangements for recruitment of a Director to head up the Office are currently being finalised and my officials are liaising with the Public Appointments Service in this regard. It is expected that once the post is advertised, the appointment of a Director will take a number of weeks.

Once appointed, the Director will then engage a range of appropriately qualified experts to undertake the excavation, recovery and post-recovery analysis processes. Engineering works and the construction of onsite facilities will also be required in advance of excavation of the site, which it is expected can begin in early 2023. Funding of almost €7 million has been provided in Budget 2023 for the 2023 costs of the excavation in Tuam.

Importantly, the Office of the Director will be independent in the performance of its functions but my officials will provide support as required in the initial establishment phase to ensure excavation works can commence as soon as possible.