The site of the former mother and baby home in Tuam, Co Galway, is to be fully excavated and forensically examined.
At a Cabinet meeting this morning, the Government decided a full excavation was the best way forward.
A forensic examination will aim to identify the remains of all children buried at the site.
Arrangements for reburial or memorialisation of those children will then be arranged.
BREAKING: The site of the former mother and baby home in Tuam will be fully and forensically excavated to recover the remains of children buried there and where possible identify them and arrange reburial
— Sean Defoe (@SeanDefoe) October 23, 2018
Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone says she's committed to ensuring all children interred at the site can have a "dignified and respectful burial".
She said: “I understand that this is a hugely important decision for all connected to the site in Tuam, most especially those who believe they may have a loved one buried there and those now living close to the site.
"While we must not underestimate the legal and technical challenges ahead, this comprehensive and scientific approach provides us with the best opportunity to address the many deeply personal questions to which former residents and their families need answers.
"I am also mindful of minimising the level of disruption for those who live in the vicinity of the site."
Dedicated legislation will be needed to allow for the excavation.
The Department of Children added that "every reasonable effort" will be made to locate and recover all remains from the site.
Minister Katherine Zappone says there’s no clear timeline for when excavation work can start as legislation needs to be passed to allow it to happen.
She adds that at the moment there’s no definite figures on how many people’s remains may be buried at the site
— Sean Defoe (@SeanDefoe) October 23, 2018
