Laundries inquiry told of Tuam mother and baby home deaths in 2012

Connacht Tribune
May 22, 2017

http://connachttribune.ie/laundries-inquiry-told-of-tuam-mother-and-baby-home-deaths-in-2012/

Galway Bay fm newsroom – The McAleese inquiry into Magdalene laundries was informed 5 years ago about “disturbing” infant death rates at the former Tuam Mother and Baby Home. The information was sent by Professor Jim Smith of Boston College and the Justice for Magdalenes Research group, more than two years before the Tuam babies story made international headlines.

The figures sent to inquiry chairperson Martin McAleese reported infant mortality rates of 51% and 55% for children sent to the home from Galway and Mayo that year. According to the Irish Examiner, the Department of Justice said the McAleese Committee “no longer exists and is therefore not in a position to respond to specific queries”.

The Department also says there’s “no record” of the McAleese Committee notifying the department about archival material relating to the Tuam Mother and Baby Home.
Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone recently confirmed that international advice is being sought to help identify the remains discovered in Tuam