UK and US DNA Samples Collected for Tuam Remains Identification

DNA samples are being collected in the UK and US this month to identify remains found at the former mother and baby institution in Tuam, Co Galway. The Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam (ODAIT) has previously gathered samples in the UK and will visit New York state for the first time to collect samples from potential relatives. Further US trips may occur if more people come forward.

To date, over 175 people in Ireland and abroad have contacted ODAIT, and as of April 10th, samples from 33 possible relatives of those believed buried at Tuam have been taken. Excavation of the site began last July and is expected to take at least two years, with hundreds of children potentially buried there. Remains of at least 69 infants have been found so far.

Under the Institutional Burials Act 2022, various maternal and paternal relatives can provide DNA. Minister for Children Norma Foley recently announced plans to extend eligibility to first cousins, following updated advice from Forensic Science Ireland (FSI). FSI's recommendation was based on scientific findings and internal testing, which showed robust matches for first cousins using a method designed for degraded DNA. The ODAIT welcomed this proposal.