Statement by the Mr. Charlie Flanagan T.D., Minister for Children and Youth Affairs on the Examination of Mother and Baby Home Deaths

Mr. Charlie Flanagan T.D., Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, today confirmed that active consideration is being given to the best means of addressing the harrowing details emerging regarding the burial arrangements for children who died many years ago in Mother and Baby Homes and the many questions raised regarding these deaths.

The Minister said: “Many of the revelations are deeply disturbing and a shocking reminder of a darker past in Ireland when our children were not cherished as they should have been.
“I am particularly mindful of the relatives of those involved and of local communities. There are a number of Government Departments involved in this process. The cross-departmental initiative underway will examine these matters and report to Government on how they might be addressed.

“Relevant Government departments have been tasked with working together in preparation for the Government’s early consideration and determination of the best course of action.”