Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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120. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans in relation to the families' demand that the remains of their relatives, members of the IRB's Invincibles, currently buried in a yard in Kilmainham Jail Museum, be exhumed to be reinterred in Glasnevin Cemetery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25522/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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Kilmainham Gaol, which opened in 1796 as the County Gaol for Dublin, ceased operations in 1924. Today, the site stands as a significant symbol of Ireland’s political and historical heritage, representing both militant and constitutional nationalism. The Gaol is closely associated with key moments in Irish history, including the rebellions of 1798, 1803, 1848, 1867, and the Easter Rising of 1916. A number of leaders involved in these events were detained and, in several cases, executed at Kilmainham Gaol, making it a place of national memory and commemoration.

The site is a designated national monument in the ownership and care of the Office of Public Works (OPW), under the policy remit of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The conservation of Kilmainham Gaol is governed by the National Monuments Acts 1930–2014, and any proposed works at or in its vicinity are subject to Ministerial Consent under Section 14 of these Acts. The OPW, in collaboration with the Minister, is responsible for ensuring the ongoing preservation and respectful management of this historically significant site.

The question of exhuming the remains of the Invincibles, members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood who are interred within the grounds of Kilmainham Gaol, and reinterring them at Glasnevin Cemetery, has been raised on a number of occasions. It was notably proposed by the late historian Dr. Shane Kenna and has received support from some local authorities. However, others have expressed the view that the current resting place should not be disturbed.

As the Deputy is already aware, there are considerable legal, technical, and ethical issues involved in any such proposal. In addition to Ministerial Consent under the National Monuments Acts, an exhumation licence under Section 46 of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1948 would also likely be required. The burial conditions, including the use of quicklime and the potential presence of other remains in the same area, pose significant challenges for the accurate identification of remains.

Given the complexity and sensitivity of the matter, any decision to proceed would require thorough consultation and high-level consideration by relevant stakeholders. The Office of Public Works is happy to engage in the process as required. However, at this time, there are no plans to advance this proposal.