Roscrea Sean Ross Abbey report must be released says local TD

Tipperary Sinn Féin TD Martin Browne has said that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth must release its findings in relation to the ground scans on land at the former mother and baby home at Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea.

The Tipperary Sinn Féin TD has made the call amidst ongoing silence from the Department despite repeated requests for an update on the progress made in their deliberations of the scan results.

Earlier this week the Sean Ross survivors group We Are Still Here released their findings after ground scans were completed last year and were critical of the government's delay - Sean Ross Abbey Roscrea survivors release ground scan results

Deputy Browne said: “I want to convey my appreciation to the Department for the manner in which they worked with the We are Still Here Sean Ross Abbey Group in funding the carrying out of ground scans at a parcel of land adjacent to the Angels’ Plot on the grounds of Sean Ross Abbey.

“At all stages, the Department was helpful and forthcoming with any assistance that was needed during the application process.

“The group acted in good faith while the Department considered the results of those scans by not seeking to influence the Department as it made those considerations.

“However, enough time has passed for the Minister to produce his findings. I have made a number of attempts to seek an update on the progression of those considerations, but the information coming from the Department is falling short of adequate.

“Due to this lack of communication, and the consequent delays, the group was left with little choice but to release the report of non-invasive ground scans carried out at Sean Ross Abbey.

“It is now incumbent upon the Department to release its findings and to engage with the We are Still Here Sean Ross Abbey Group to discuss options about the way forward.

“For too long, the truth was withheld from survivors and their families and representatives. This distress was compounded by government parties and like-minded independents voting to seal away records gathered by the Commission of Investigation. Those representatives include local TDs Jackie Cahill and Michael Lowry.

“Groups such as the We Are Still Here Sean Ross Abbey Group continue to try to garner as much information as they can by themselves, with scanning land suspected of containing unidentified graves being one such action.

“Many survivors have also been denied redress, in what can only be described as another example of the exclusion that people who went through these mother and baby homes have consistently been subjected to throughout their lives.

“In light of all of this, and more, the Department has a responsibility to continue to work with these groups as they continue to pursue the truth.

“I now have to publicly urge the Minister to avoid any further delays in relation to the actions they believe should be taken, based upon the results of the scans carried out on the grounds at Sean Ross Abbey.”