Findings of Tuam Home DNA report go to Cabinet today

RELATIVES of babies and infants who may be interred at the former Mother and Baby Home site in Tuam may know later today whether they will be able to offer samples of their DNA ahead of new legislation being introduced.

Minister for Children Katherine Zappone is to bring the report carried out by Dr Geoffrey Shannon on the Collection of Tuam Survivors’ DNA to Government for consideration today (Wednesday).

Minister Zappone’s department has stressed that site works, including excavation and exhumation of remains, cannot begin until the legal basis to do so is established. Minister Zappone intends to bring the Heads of Bill to Government some time in October. A Department spokesperson said once this approved, the detailed legislation required will be progressed.
Earlier this year representations were made to the Minister to allow for relatives to have DNA samples collected because of their age and health status. Dr Shannon examined if this will be possible within current legislation and submitted his report to the Minister.
The purpose of collecting samples would be to later compare them against any DNA profiles which may be generated from the juvenile human remains found at the Tuam site once the legislative basis is in place, and, if possible, to make positive identifications.
Minister Zappone and the Attorney General spent several months considering Dr Shannon’s report and its recommendations will be presented to Government at its meeting today.