Report on Tuam baby DNA tests on the way
IRELAND’S Special Rapporteur on Children will produce a report in eight weeks on the legalities of taking DNA samples from anyone who believes they are connected to the Tuam mother-and-baby home.
Survivors of the controversial home have been calling for the urgent establishment of a DNA data base, to help establish for people whether they have a relative in the Co. Galway grave or a relation who was illegally adopted.
It was announced yesterday that terms set for examination of DNA options have been set by Government. Minister for Children Katherine Zappone has asked the Special Rapporteur, Dr Geoffrey
‘Samples for comparison’
Shannon to consider what actions may be possible under Irish laws to carry out mass DNA sampling.
Yesterday, Minister Zappone said: ‘I have asked Dr Geoffrey Shannon to consider what may be possible within the current legislated framework, with particular reference to the collection of biological samples for comparison purposes, and also how the rights of those who wish to give biological samples could be safeguarded in respect of sensitive personal date and informed consent.’
In 2014, it was revealed that there were 796 death certs of children who died in the Tuam mother-and-baby home which operated between 1925 and 1961. While a ‘significant quantity of human remains’ at the site were uncovered in 2017, the actual number of children’s remains buried at the mass grave is a mystery.
As ageing survivors have grown increasingly concerned they may never find their missing relatives, calls have been made by the Tuam Survivors Network to preserve their DNA. DNA samples can be used against any profiles of the children who are buried on the site in the hope of identifying some of them.
Minister Zappone also said yesterday that a geophysical examination of the Sean Ross Abbey in Tipperary had taken place, while another has got under way at the Bessborough mother-and-baby home in Cork.
It is expected that thousands of names of children who died in other homes will be revealed by the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes next month in a large publication on burials around the country.