Child protection: The more things change...
In 2000, Judge Peter Kelly issued an injunction against the then ministers for health, education, and justice — requiring them to provide a safe place for a severely disturbed and vulnerable runaway teenager. If they didn’t, he sensationally warned, he’d hold them in contempt of court and find a secure place for the three of them — in prison. Luckily for Micheál Martin, Michael Woods, and John O’Donoghue, the girl turned up and, miraculously, a place was found for her.
Judge Ann Ryan’s criminal court deals with children who break the law while Judge Kelly’s civil court handled those in need of secure care.