Baby boy taken into care after parents were drunk

A judge has ordered that a 12-week-old baby boy be placed in emergency foster care after hearing evidence the infant was at “significant risk” in its parents’ care.

Limerick District Court heard that gardaí received an anonymous allegation on Wednesday night that an infant was in a car with his parents — both intoxicated on drink and drugs.

Sgt Gary Thompson told the court: “Both mum and dad were extremely intoxicated. There was a strong smell of alcohol on them both. They both had glazed eyes, and they were behaving in an erratic and unreasonable manner.” He added that he also smelt cannabis on the boy’s parents.

Giving evidence, the mother admitted she had a “drink problem”, but denied taking drugs. She admitted consuming “two glasses of wine” last Wednesday after remaining sober for five months previously.

Social services became aware of potential issues last November after the mother, then seven months pregnant, allegedly presented at hospital with raised blood alcohol levels. Tusla social worker Una Kissane said there was a “serious risk” to the baby.

Sgt Thompson said gardaí were forced to take the mother into custody as she was “a danger to herself and others”. He took custody of the baby by invoking section 12 of the Childcare Act, he said, believing there was an immediate and serious risk to his health or welfare.

The mother broke down as she pleaded with the judge not to order her son be put in care. “The medical people have seen him and he is not neglected. He has been with me every day since he was born, and he is thriving,” she told the judge. “I know I’m a good mother. I know I can look after my son,” she said.

The woman said a member of her husband’s family would be willing to care for the baby and it would mean she would receive an extra €350 in social welfare.

Prosecuting solicitor Muiris Gavin said the court had to invoke the care order as it had heard evidence that “something serious would happen to put the child at significant risk” if the infant stayed in his parents’ care.

Judge O’Leary granted the emergency care order for a period of eight days.