In camera ‘excuse’ holding up child cases

Children’s Ombudsman Emily Logan has expressed concern about ongoing legal obstacles being placed in the way of her office’s investigations into children in care.

Ms Logan said four cases under investigation were facing “legal challenges” by the HSE. She claimed the in camera “excuse” was proving problematic for her office’s ability to investigate poor childcare practice.

She also questioned the use of the courts system to determine child protection issues in light of last week’s publication of a report by the Independent Child Death Review Group.