Inquiry ‘must establish who is responsible after-hours’

CHILDREN’S welfare groups have demanded the inquiry into the Monageer tragedy categorically declares what agency is responsible in emergency cases.

The groups welcomed yesterday’s announcement by Children’s Minister Brian Lenihan that an independent team will look into the response of everybody involved in the weekend’s deaths. They said this team must outline who is responsible after office hours and what the procedure is in cases where children are in danger.

Barnardos director of advocacy Nora Gibbons said children at risk cannot be left fall between the gaps between the various agencies.