McDowell rejects request for exhumation of baby girl

Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has rejected a request to exhume the body of a baby girl found stabbed to death in south Co Dublin 33 years ago.

The request was made earlier this week by the Dublin County Coroner, who said the exhumation was needed to help establish the identity of the baby.

However, Mr McDowell said last night that the move was not justified as it would involve disturbing and taking samples from the remains of many other babies who are buried in the Little Angels plot at Glasnevin Cemetery.

The baby girl in question was found stabbed to death in a laneway in Dun Laoghaire in 1973.

A woman has since come forward claiming to be the mother of the child.

Cynthia Owen says she gave birth to the girl at a young age as a result of sexual abuse.

The coroner requested the exhumation in the hope that DNA evidence could prove or disprove her claims.