Tanaiste warns criminal probe is ‘inevitable’
A GARDA investigation into the Tuam baby scandal is the only way to move forward, the Justice Minister claimed yesterday. Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald said: “It is inevitable that once the coroner finishes its work there will be a role for gardai. “We will have to face the pain of it. Not just on this site but on other sites as it is the only way we can put this tragedy in context in order to move forward.” Speaking on RTE Radio, Environment Minister Simon Coveney agreed with his Cabinet colleague. He added: “When you look at the way their bodies were discarded in the way they were, 17 of the 20 chambers, had remains in them. “It’s hard to see there wouldn’t be Garda involvement in this case. “People shouldn’t only talk about the Bon Secours Sisters. Although obviously they have questions to answer, this was a site that was owned by the State and it’s still owned by Galway County Council. There’s a significant responsibility on the State as well as the Bon Secours Sisters.” He explained that when the Cabinet was informed of the Commission’s findings, many around the table were “choked up with emotion”. Meanwhile, Sinn Fein deputy leader Mary Lou Mcdonald last night said the horrors of the Tuam revelations demanded a full investigation. Speaking at the annual Flowers for Magdalenes event at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin, she added: “The gruesome discovery of human remains and a mass grave confirm the worst fears of many survivors and campaigners. “Catherine Corless has been vindicated. She deserves much credit for her commitment to discovering the truth. “Gardai must now investigate the deaths of these babies and children. Commissioner O’sullivan must make clear that priority and resources will be dedicated to this investigation. “Taoiseach Enda Kenny must also issue an apology to the women, children and families who have been devastated by the cruelty of these institutions and who were so badly failed by the State.”