Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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2394. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if the use of a cadaver dog has been considered to investigate parts of the Tuam site that are not being excavated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42316/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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In October 2022 the Government made an Order under the Institutional Burials Act 2022 to direct an intervention at the site of the former Mother and Baby institution in Tuam, Co. Galway. In March 2023 the Office of Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam (ODAIT) was formally established and in May the Director was appointed to oversee the excavation, recovery, analysis, identification (if possible) and dignified reburial of the children’s remains located at the Tuam site.

The Government Order identifies the full available Tuam site as the land in respect of which the Director performs his functions and the legislation provides that the forensic excavation is carried out in line with international best practice.

The operational details of the intervention are a matter for ODAIT. The Office provides regular updates on its work to survivors and family members as well as to the general public. I understand that the Director is happy to provide further information as required. The Office can be contacted at info@dait.ie.