Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2005
22 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied); if she will review the procedures to prevent this traumatic situation being repeated in other circumstances; and if she will investigate whether action needs to be taken against those responsible for denying this person access to their child when the infant was alive. [4159/05]
View answerI understand that the particular question raised by the Deputy relates to the placement of the child in care under the Child Care Act 1991. While I do not propose to comment on the specific circumstances of the case, I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to the family of the child concerned.
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for children taken into care. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the Health Service Executive, eastern regional area, to make arrangements to meet with the family as soon as possible to discuss their concerns.
