The state inquiry into mother and baby homes has confirmed ‘significant quantities’ of human remains at a site in Tuam, Co Galway.
The remains were found in what is understood to be a septic tank at the former Bon Secours home.
It says remains were discovered in 17 out of 20 chambers in a septic tank-style structure, with ages between 35 foetal weeks and 2-3 years.
A statement from the Commission states:
The strati-graphic survey which was conducted in October 2015 identified a particular area of interest and identified a number of sub surface anomalies that were considered worthy of further investigation. These were further investigated by a test excavation in November/December 2016 and in January/February 2017. Test trenches were dug revealing two large structures. One structure appears to be a large sewage containment system or septic tank that had been decommissioned and filled with rubble and debris and then covered with top soil. The second structure is a long structure which is divided into 20 chambers. The Commission has not yet determined what the purpose of this structure was but it appears to be related to the treatment/containment of sewage and/or waste water. The Commission has also not yet determined if it was ever used for this purpose.
In this second structure, significant quantities of human remains have been discovered in at least 17 of the 20 underground chambers which were examined. A small number of remains were recovered for the purpose of analysis. These remains involved a number of individuals with age-at-death ranges from approximately 35 foetal weeks to 2-3 years. Radiocarbon dating of the samples recovered suggest that the remains date from the timeframe relevant to the operation of the Mother and Baby Home (the Mother and Baby Home operated from 1925 to 1961; a number of the samples are likely to date from the 1950s). Further scientific tests are being conducted.
The Commission is shocked by this discovery and is continuing its investigation into who was responsible for the disposal of human remains in this way. Meanwhile, the Commission has asked that the relevant State authorities take responsibility for the appropriate treatment of the remains. The Coroner has been informed.
The Minister For Children Katherine Zappone has also released a statement
“This is very sad and disturbing news. It was not unexpected as there were claims about human remains on the site over the last number of years.
Up to now we had rumours. Now we have confirmation that the remains are there, and that they date back to the time of the Mother and Baby Home, which operated in Tuam from 1925 to 1961.”
The Minister said that we must respond sensitively and respectfully to the situation. She said that her Department had brought together all of the key Departments and agencies to set out a way forward. This will include the following:
– The Commission will continue its work under its terms of reference, including such matters as post mortem practices and procedures, reporting and burial arrangements for residents of Mother and Baby Homes
– The Coroner for North Galway will take the steps he deems necessary under his independent statutory functions
– Galway County Council will engage with the Commission in relation to the immediate next steps on the site
– Galway County Council will engage with local residents and other interested parties on what should happen next in relation to the remains
– There will be an information line for factual information, and a service for those who feel personally affected by the news.
Minister Zappone added:
“Today is about remembering and respecting the dignity of the children who lived their short lives in this Home. We will honour their memory and make sure that we take the right actions now to treat their remains appropriately.”
