Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 November 2013
299. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the criminal concerns the Garda had, as distinct from child protection concerns, in the case of the seven year old child taken from a Roma family in Tallaght; if it is criminal concerns that explains the removal of the child from the home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47712/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra301. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in the case of the seven year old child taken from a Roma family in Tallaght, if the Garda contacted the Health Service Executive child protection social worker prior to acting and removing the child from the home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47714/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 299 and 301 together.
As the Deputies are aware, I requested the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána to provide me with a full report in relation to this and another related case. I have now received these Reports.
I have already indicated my intention to refer these reports to the Ombudsman for Children in the context of my proposal to appoint her in accordance with section 42 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended by section 42 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007) to conduct an inquiry into these matter. The Deputies will appreciate that, in circumstances where it is proposed to establish an independent inquiry into these matters, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this time.
