Garda bid to publish girl’s photo adjourned

Gardaí have asked the High Court for permission to release a picture of a teenage girl found in the capital three weeks ago.

The girl, believed to be in her mid-teens, has been in the care of the HSE after being found in a distressed state by gardaí in Dublin city centre.

Gardaí say they have exhausted every avenue in their attempt to identify the girl.

Yesterday, at the High Court, Genevieve Coonan, counsel for the garda commissioner, said that, following several weeks of investigating the matter, the gardaí had “hit a brick wall” and had reached a “deadlock” in their efforts to identify the girl.

Despite intensive efforts over the last number of weeks, the gardaí still do not know where the girl comes from and who her family are.

They believe that a criminal offence has been committed against her.

Ms Coonan said that, as every possible avenue had been exhausted, gardaí are seeking an order under Section 31.2 of the 1991 Child Care Act allowing them to release a picture of the teen to the media, which could help identify her.

The girl’s legally appointed guardian supported the application.

Felix McEnroy, counsel on behalf of the guardian, said taking such action so the girl can be identified is in her best interests.

However, Tim O’Leary, counsel for the HSE, said it was opposed to a picture of the girl being published.

Mr O’Leary said professionals who have been working with the girl believe publication could have “a disturbing effect on her”.

Mr Justice George Birmingham said he was minded to grant the order allowing a picture of the girl to be published, but was adjourning the matter until Monday.

The judge said he did not wish “to fudge the matter”, but wanted to give the girl an “additional few days to stabilise and get comfortable with those working with her”, before her image was released.

The judge added that he would change his mind about allowing publication if any new information suggesting publication was not in the girl’s best interests was put before the court.

The court also ordered that nothing be reported that might identify the girl or where she might be staying.

The girl is currently undergoing treatment.

On Wednesday, lawyers acting on the girl’s behalf launched High Court proceedings aimed at preventing the HSE from placing her at an non secure facility.

The girl’s legally appointed guardian has argued before the court that given the teenager’s needs, she should be placed at a secure facility.

Yesterday, Mr McEnroy said there was substantial European law which states that persons in similar situation to the girl should be given a secure care placement.

In reply, Mr O’Leary for the HSE said that the girl would not be moved by the health authorities because of the action, and that the status quo would remain in place.

The judge agreed to adjourn that matter for a week.

Mr Justice Birmingham was also given a letter from the young girl, which expressed her gratitude that the court was dealing with her case.

The exact contents of the letter were not read in open court.