Inquiry announced into Roscommon case
Saturday, 24 January 2009
The Health Service Executive has confirmed that it will undertake a detailed independent investigation into the events surrounding the Roscommon Childcare Case.
Earlier this week, a 40-year-old woman was sentenced to seven years for the abuse and neglect of her six children.
In a statement, the HSE said it expected the report to be completed within six months.
The inquiry is to be headed by Norah Gibbons.
Ms Gibbons is Director of Advocacy at Barnardos and a member of the Government-appointed Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse.
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Barry Andrews received a preliminary HSE report on the case earlier today.
Mr Andrews welcomed the HSE's decision and said every member of society must remain vigilant to the signs of child abuse and neglect.
Other members on the investigation team are former CEO of Comhairle Leonie Lunney; Paul Harrison, a National Childcare Specialist with the HSE and Gerry O'Neill, National Manager with Specialist Childcare Responsibility HSE.
HSE National Director, Primary, Continuing and Community Care Laverne McGuinness, said: 'There is no doubt that these children have been let down badly by society.
'We - and all agencies - have to openly and honestly look at, with our current knowledge, what we did, examine the part we played and learn from that'.
Ms McGuinness said the HSE was directly involved with the family and that support remains in place.
- Six One News: Joe Little, Religious & Social Affairs Correspondent, reports that the HSE has announced an independent inquiry into the Roscommon child abuse case
- Nine News: Joe Little, Religious & Social Affairs Correspondent, reports that the HSE has authorised an independent inquiry into the Roscommon child abuse case
