Tuam babies treated like 'sub species' - Taoiseach

THE next step in the Tuam babies scandal is for the local Coroner to become involved, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said today.

Speaking to reporters in Castlebar, Mr. Kenny indicated there might be difficulties if the investigation was extended.

'The big question is what do you do to attempt to identify the remains of a substantial number of babies between three weeks and three years which have come to light in this case ...and are there others in other locations who were treated in the same fashion.”

Asked about the Commission of Inquiry Report into the scandal, Mr. Kenny replied: “When this (matter) first came to light in 2014 following the analysis by Ms. Corless, I described the way the babies were treate in this country as akin to being some kind of sub-species.

“It is appalling, truly appalling.

“Obviously the coroner and everybody involved has to see how best we can proceed with the next step in this case and possibly others.

“This is not something that happened way back in the dawn of history. This happened in some cases in own time.

“We need to follow through here as quickly, as effectively and as sensibly as possible because it's a horrendous situation for those whose siblings were treated in this fashion.

“So this is another issue, one of many which we have come across in the last number of years which were left lying in the shadows of an Ireland that we hoped was gone.”

Asked if he was shocked by the commission report, Mr. Kenny replied “Absolutely. To think you pass by the location on so many occasions over the years.

“There were some comments and some allegations and now it is beginning to come to light, the scale of what actually happened.”