05/11/2017 - Expert Technical Group Tuam Report
Minister Katherine Zappone has received the report of the Expert Technical Group dealing with the site of the former Mother and Baby Home, Tuam, Co. Galway. The multidisciplinary team of experts was appointed to provide technical advices to Government on the future of the site after the Commission’s announcement in March 2017 that they had discovered significant quantities of human remains at the former Mother and Baby Home.
Upon receiving the Expert Technical Groups final report Minister Zappone stated:
“I want to thank the members of the Expert Technical Group for their work on such a complex and sensitive issue. Their report will help everyone involved to understand the nature of the options now open
to us, so that we can make well informed decisions. My primary concern is to ensure that whatever action is taken respects the memory and dignity of the deceased children who lived their short lives in this institution.”
The Report explores a number of possible options for managing the Tuam site and appropriately responding to the discovery of interred human remains by the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes. The report examines these options in the context of internationally accepted best practice in such cases.
The Minister is considering the Report and her Department is consulting with relevant departments and agencies.
Officials are to meet next week to discuss the next steps to be taken. Consultations will take place with stakeholders before any decisions are made on the future of the site.