Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 November 2024
216. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Office of Public Works will be requested to carry out the necessary works to recover the remains of the Invincibles from Kilmainham Gaol, in line with the wishes of their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45583/24]
View answerMy function under the National Monuments Acts, 1930-2014 is to ensure the long-term conservation of national monuments. I have no direct role in requesting the OPW to recover the remains of anyone from their burial place.
The question of exhuming and reburying the remains of the Invincibles - should they be locatable - has also been the subject of a number of calls supported and raised by the National Graves Association in association with some family members. In parallel, it must be acknowledged, that others have expressed a view that the resting place should not be disturbed.
Complex technical and legal issues associated with the potential exhumation, forensic identification and reburial of remains have been relayed to the National Graves Association on a number of occasions. It is necessary for such matters to be considered on foot of detailed, legally compliant proposals before any further steps can be taken.
