Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
871. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 2015 of 13 January 2026, if considering information (details supplied), he will furnish the funds for an independent investigation into the matter. [4316/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very conscious of the hurt that continues to be felt because of the uncertainty regarding the burial place of children who died while they were resident at the former Mother and Baby institution in Bessborough.
As detailed in reply to PQ 2183/26, the independent Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes investigated burials arrangements at the former institution in Bessborough. Despite extensive efforts, including carrying out cartographic and landscape assessments as well as a site survey, the Commission was unable to find any evidence of burials of the children who died at Bessborough in the grounds of the institution.
The Commission concluded that the only way that it can be established if burials took place in the grounds is by an excavation of the entire property, including the areas that are now built on.
While I understand that there have been calls for further investigations, I am also aware that there are differing views among survivors how the site should be treated.
