Report into murdered teenager’s care delayed until next year
The 17-year-old had been in the care of the HSE in a facility in Donabate, Dublin, when he was stabbed to death.
He was last seen in a house in Whitestown in Blanchardstown on February 26 of last year. His body was found in a farmer’s field in Rathfeigh, Co Meath in May.
Gardaí are carrying out a murder investigation but despite several people being arrested and questioned, as yet no one has been charged.
In May last year the HSE established a separate three-person review team to investigate the care provided to Daniel and the circumstances leading up to his death.
The review team includes Eamon McTernan and Liam Ó Dálaigh, both qualified social workers and consultants, and Philip Mortell, a former principal social worker for 19 years in the HSE West.
The group is working within the Review Panel for Serious Incidents and Child Deaths, chaired by Dr Helen Buckley, Senior Lecturer in Trinity College Dublin and Child Protection expert.
Last week the National Review Panel responded to news that there had been 35 deaths and 16 serious incidents involving children or adolescents known to the HSE since last March, claiming that the HSE had failed in not having a standard method for assessing children’s needs.
The Irish Examiner understands that the investigation into the care provided to Daniel McAnaspie will not now be completed until some time next year, mostly due to the complexity of the case.
Daniel had undergone a number of care placements since entering the care system at the age of 10.
His family, including his sisters and his aunt, have criticised the HSE’s decision-making in the planning of his care and are currently involved in a High Court action to secure access to HSE and Guardian Ad Litem documents.
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