asked the Minister for Health if he will order a public inquiry into the recent tragedy at Saint Kyran's residential home.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Residential Home Tragedy.
1.
The Deputy will recall that, on 5th October 1977, I issued a statement regarding the death of Thomas Hayden. The statement summarised the action taken by the Eastern Health Board following the placing of this child in their care. In the statement I indicated my deep concern about the tragedy and my intention to inquire fully into the circumstances of the case.
I have now received a full and detailed report from the Eastern Health Board regarding the care provided for the child in question and other members of his family. The report includes detailed information regarding the child's stay in Madonna House, the care subsequently provided while the family was at home and the reasons underlying the decision to transfer the children to St. Kyran's Home, Rathdrum. I am satisfied that the quality of the care provided between 1974 and September of this year was satisfactory.
The child was removed from St. Kyran's Home without authority on Friday, 16th September and a man has since been charged with causing the child's death. I cannot, in the circumstances, make any comments on this aspect of the tragedy.
I can, however, say at this stage that on the basis of the information at present before me I cannot see that any benefit would be derived from holding a public inquiry into this case. I have, however, specially arranged for senior officers of my Department to review existing procedures for liaison, for staff recruitment and training, and for the transfer of children from one house to another to see what improvements in them might be needed. This review will be carried out in conjunction with the staffs of health boards and with representatives of voluntary child care homes.
I fully appreciate that the matter is sub judice in respect of a certain aspect of it. Would the Minister not agree that there is serious public disquiet at the fact that a child can leave a home without authority and that this can place many a child in jeopardy? Can the Minister have a directive issued from his Department to these homes to ensure that more surveillance can take place in situations like this?
As I indicated in my reply, a complete review of all the procedures is now being carried out with a view to ensuring that something like this cannot happen again.
In his reply the Minister said he was satisfied with the standard of care up to September of this year. Would it be fair to take the interference from that that he may not be satisfied about the standard of care from September this year up to the unfortunate event involved?
The event took place in September this year.
I got the impression from the Minister that, from the beginning of September to perhaps the 16th, he had certain doubts.
No.