Public DNA samples to be used in identifying children buried at Tuam

Director of the Tuam excavation Daniel MacSweeney said he will launch an appeal to ask people who suspect they may have close relatives in the grave to come forward and give their DNA sample in a confidential process. Picture: Moya Nolan

People will be allowed to give DNA samples to help identify 796 children believed to be buried on the grounds of the former mother and baby home in Tuam, the director charged with excavating the site has said.

The Institutional Burials Act 2022 will allow for the grounds of the former mother and baby home, where hundreds of children are believed to be buried, to be excavated.