More questions than answers in Commission Report
Labour Spokesperson on Justice and Children & Youth Affairs Seán Sherlock TD has said that the fifth interim report and the response of Minister Zappone on Bessborough Mother and Baby Home in Cork raises more questions than answers.
According to Minister Zappone’s press release, the Commission found no physical or documentary evidence of systematic burials within the grounds but considers that it is highly likely that burials took place there. The Commission did not consider it feasible to excavate the full 60 acres involved, let alone the rest of the 200-acre estate on which the there has been extensive building work since the institution closed”
Said Deputy Sherlock:
“The Minister states it is highly likely that burials took place there.”
“Is the door now being closed on geo-thermal and geo-physical testing on the site? The Minister should provide further clarity on what is proposed for Bessborough given that burials did take place there.”
“We need to hear how the Government proposes to respond to the recently discovered map showing a burial plot at the fringes of the site towards the N40?”
“On the 13th February this year, in response to questions on this matter, the Minister seemed to suggest that the same principles that applied to Tuam would apply to Bessborough. It would be helpful for the Minister to provide further clarity in respect of whether geo-physical testing and possible excavations would take place at Bessborough”