In his first media interview since his appointment as the Director of Authorised Intervention, Daniel Mac Sweeney outlines his plans and hopes as he heads up the independent office overseeing the excavation and recovery of children’s remains at the site of the former Mother and Baby Institution in Tuam. See pages 4 and 5. Photo: MAXWELLS

THE DIRECTOR'S TAKE

Support of Tuam is key to works at Mother and Baby site

THE man charged with overseeing the exhumation and identification of remains at the Mother and Baby Home site in Tuam says the support of the town and its people is “very important”.

Speaking to The Tuam Herald, Daniel Mac Sweeney said communication and consultation with all stakeholders was key as he and his team set about the arduous task of excavating the site on Dublin Road and returning as many of the hundreds of infants’ remains as possible to their relatives.

Mr Mac Sweeney took up his appointment as Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam, six weeks ago and will head up the independent office that has been established to oversee the sensitive work that will be undertaken in Tuam over the coming years.

Meeting former residents, survivors and relatives of some of the babies who are thought to be buried at the former home site has been a priority for the Director. He has also met with local historian and long-time campaigner Catherine Corless on two occasions to date.

“She has carried this torch for years and, in a sense, I’m taking over from her. I will try and keep her informed and involved to the extent that I can. I met her the first week of my appointment and we will continue to have a relationship,” said Mr Mac Sweeney…

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