Harney in spotlight over boy’s night in Garda cell

THE Minister for Health will be asked to explain in the Seanad today why social workers did not address the plight of a vulnerable 15-year-old boy who ended up having to sleep overnight in a Garda station.

Mary Harney will also be asked to outline why social workers failed to contact the boy or his mother for a further five days, despite the fact that his predicament had been highlighted twice by the Irish Examiner.

Eight days ago the boy left the home of foster parents who had contacted gardaí to say they were concerned about his welfare.