Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 December 2018
40. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the protections and protocols in place to avoid a repetition of the traumatic removal of a child from the breast-feeding mother in a maternity hospital in view of a recent High Court decision (details supplied). [52427/18]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I am not in a position to comment on individual cases, or on matters which are the subject of court decisions. I therefore propose to answer the question in general terms.
The decision to remove a child from the care of their parents is not one that is taken lightly, particularly at a young age. In all cases, the safety, well-being and best interests of the child must be the primary concern. Situations where a child is taken into care generally take place with the agreement of all concerned and do not give rise to controversy or traumatic circumstances for the child or parent.
In some situations, such as when a parent resists attempts for a child to come into care, or there is an assessed high risk of violence or risk of harm to the child or adult, the assistance of the Gardaí may be called on. In situations where the Gardaí are involved they make an assessment of the risk and the most appropriate steps to be taken.
I have been advised that, in these cases social work staff follow Garda instructions, while at all times trying to minimise the difficulties for the child and parent. Taking a child into care is an extraordinary event, and transparency and planning are important. In situations where a child may be at immediate or serious risk, it may not always be appropriate to communicate plans to parents in advance.
