The need for an independent investigation into the mass grave next to a home for unmarried mothers and babies in Tuam, Co. Galway where up to 800 children were reportedly buried between 1925 and 1961

I wish to thank the Deputies for raising this important issue which has been met with shock and horror in the past few days. The situation in Tuam, in particular, is almost too graphic and horrible to believe – young, innocent children, their lives so short and harrowing were, it seems, in death not even given a proper, decent or humane burial. 

While the revelations in Tuam are indeed graphic and appalling they are a reminder of a wider and darker past where our children were not cherished. The history of Mother and Baby Homes in Ireland in the early and middle decades of the 20th century reflects a brutally, unforgiving response by society, religious and state institutions and, in many cases, families to young women and children when they were in most need and most vulnerable.   

Tuam was not unique in Ireland as a Mother and Baby Home. 

Mother and Baby Homes were not unique in Ireland as cold and brutal places of refuge from an unforgiving society. 

And Ireland was, at least in some respects, not entirely unique amongst countries in dealing with its most vulnerable citizens in a manner that would not be countenanced in a modern, civilised democracy.   

But in Ireland today we are confronted by the fact that as a newly established State we besmirched our lofty ambitions and made hollow our promise to cherish all the children of the nation equally. 

Whereas in their day these women and children were unjustly made to feel so much shame, we must now carry this shame for how this country dealt with them in their time of need.   

The revelations in Tuam, Co Galway have brought to the fore the situation in other Mother and Baby Homes throughout the country. The practices in Mother and Baby homes have to date not featured prominently in the various reviews and investigations which have dealt with many of the past abuses which were inflicted on vulnerable citizens, many of them women and children. 

It is fully recognised by me and my Government colleagues that we need to establish the truth. As has been announced, active consideration is being given to the best means of addressing the harrowing details emerging regarding the children who died many years ago in Mother and Baby Homes and the many questions raised regarding these deaths.   

We will properly review these issues and we will not confine this review to Tuam. 

My colleagues and I have tasked officials from key Government departments with scoping these issues so that Government can make decisions on the precise content, format and method of organising this review. Relevant Government departments have met today and are working together in preparation for the Government’s early consideration and determination of the best course of action. 

The cross-departmental initiative underway will examine these matters and report to Government on how they might be addressed. Departments involved include the Department of Justice and Equality, the Department of Health, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.  Amongst the decisions to be made by Government in finalising arrangements as part of its overall deliberations on the format and conduct of the review will be the assignment of lead responsibility for implementation. 

Such scoping work is essential if fully informed decisions are to be made and matters are to be dealt with effectively. This is the experience in effectively initiating successful review processes in recent years.  The work will proceed speedily and promptly.  It will consider all of the issues which have arisen and the particular factors which the review will need to take into account including, for example, the passage of time.  Government will be kept up to date and expects to have the product of this consideration before the end of the month.   

Fortunately, I can state that much has changed in Irish society in relation to the rights of mothers and children. In the domain of my own responsibilities I can point to legislative changes to reflect greater regard for children’s rights and welfare. 

However, in saying this, I in no way want to detract from the pain and hurt that was caused to so many woman and children by the events of the past. The Government is committed to ensuring that the most appropriate action is taken to ensure that the concerns in regards to these deeply tragic and disturbing past events can be addressed.