Call for AG to Order Inquests for Tuam Mother-and-baby Home

RTE News
September 26, 2014

http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0926/648286-babies/

A solicitor contends there is legal argument and evidence to see if remains can be exhumed and inquests held

There has been a call for the Attorney General to order inquests to be carried out into the deaths of children who died at the mother-and-baby home in Tuam, Co Galway.

This would necessitate excavations to be carried out at a site, where it is thought babies who died in the Tuam home were buried.

A solicitor, who is assisting a number of women and children who stayed there, contends there is legal argument and overwhelming evidence to see if remains can be exhumed and inquests held.

Kevin Higgins cites a provision in the 1962 Coroner's Act, allowing the AG to order a coroner to hold an inquest.

Section 24 of the Act states that if the AG has reason to believe a person died in circumstances which may warrant the holding of an inquest, then they can direct any coroner to conduct such an inquiry.

Mr Higgins told RTE's Liveline this afternoon that it was almost inevitable that exhumations would have to take place.

He said the issues surrounding the deaths of children in mother-and-baby homes had to be confronted.

He said the number of deaths recorded at the Tuam home over a period of over more than 30 years was "off the scale" compared to the rate of children deaths elsewhere at the same time.

He is also concerned that despite official figures relating to death rates, there are no burial records for the vast majority of children that died in the Tuam home.

Mr Higgins said he understood the AG was considering the matter at present, adding it was his view that if she did not exercise her prerogative under the Act, then there may be a legal challenge seeking to compel her to order inquests.

The Office of the Attorney General does not comment on its deliberations.