Senior Counsel to examine Cynthia Owen's case

The government has announced it has asked a Senior Counsel to examine files in the case of Cynthia Owen to see if further action is required.

Earlier this month an inquest ruled that Ms Owen was the mother of a baby girl found stabbed to death in Dun Laoghaire in 1973.

Cynthia Owen had called for a full public inquiry into the case.

Twelve years ago, Cynthia Owen came forward to say that she was mother of a baby girl who was found stabbed to death in a laneway in Dun Laoghaire in 1973.

She said that when she was eleven years old she gave birth to the baby in her family home in Dalkey following years of sexual abuse.

Ms. Owen said the infant was stabbed to death with a knitting needle by a person she has identified.

Just over a week ago a jury at the Dublin County Coroners Court unanimously ruled that Cynthia Owen is the mother of baby Noleen.

Ms Owen has described the original Garda investigation as a "sham" and has called for a full public inquiry into the case.

Cynthia was not interviewed during the original Gardai investigation.

The inquest also heard that statements taken during the investigation...and the bag that the baby was found in have gone missing.

The Department of Justice has confirmed that Senior Counsel Patrick Gageby will examine all papers and what is known about the case.

He'll recommend if taking any further action would serve the public interest.