Court extends care order for baby

An emergency care order for a 12-week old baby was extended yesterday at Kilmallock District Court.

The child and family agency Tusla obtained an eight-day care order for the baby at Limerick District Court last Thursday.

It was stated at that hearing that gardaí received an allegation from an anonymous tipoff on Wednesday night, that an infant boy was travelling in a car with his parents, who were intoxicated on drink and drugs.

Sgt Gary Thompson, Newcastle West Garda Station, told the court that when he arrived at the scene, in a town in Co Limerick, he found the baby’s mother and father were both drunk.

“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,” said Sgt Thompson.

Sgt Thompson said he also smelt cannabis on the boy’s parents. Giving evidence, the mother admitted she had a “drink problem”, but denied taking drugs.

Social services became aware of potential issues last November, after the mother, who was seven months pregnant, allegedly presented at hospital with raised alcohol levels in her blood. Una Kissane, a social worker with Tusla, told the court there was a “serious risk” to the baby if he was allowed stay in his parents’ care.

“Sgt Thompson said he took custody of the infant by invoking Section 12 of the Childcare Act, believing there was an immediate and serious risk to the health or welfare of the baby. He brought the baby to University Hospital Limerick where a medical check was made.

The mother told the court last Thursday: “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. I know I’m a good mother.”