Agency seeks to keep premature baby from parents

A case in which the new Child and Family Agency is seeking to keep a 10-weeks premature boy from the care of his parents has heard contested claims his mother smoked up to 80 cigarettes a day while pregnant.

The case involves claims from the CFA that the child’s parents are effectively homeless, while the parents say they have plans in place for secure lodgings in Dublin and are capable of looking after the boy, who was born on Oct 3, weighing 2lb.

The case is being heard before Judge Tim Lucey in Cork District Court. Recent changes to the in-camera rule allow the media to report on family and childcare proceedings, albeit under strict conditions.