Independent probe begins into Roscommon incest case

An independent inquiry is to be carried out into the handling of the 'House of Horrors' child abuse case, health chiefs confirmed tonight.

The Heath Service Executive (HSE) revealed Norah Gibbons will examine the files on the Roscommon incest court case which this week saw a mother jailed for the prolonged abuse of her six children.

The 40-year-old alcoholic was jailed for seven years after she admitted putting her children through a harrowing catalogue of neglect - including forcing her then 13-year-old son to have sex with her.

The HSE said Ms Gibbons, director of advocacy with the Barnardo's children's charity, will examine the entire management of the family - which was supported by social services - identify any shortcomings, and report on her findings.

The inquiry was ordered by Laverne McGuinness, HSE National Director Primary, after the completion of a preliminary review of the case.

Ms McGuinness said the HSE understood the anxieties and concerns that have been expressed over the past number of days in relation to the sad and distressing case.

"While questions have been asked about many aspects of the case, we would stress that it is an extremely complex case. The HSE was directly involved with this family and that support remains in place," she said.

"There is no doubt that these children have been let down badly by society.

"We - and all agencies - have to openly and honestly look at, with our current knowledge, what we did, examine the part we played and learn from that. We need to make sure that we do everything we can to ensure, in as much as is possible, that no other child has to face such an unspeakable tragedy ever again."

Other members of the investigation team are Leonie Lunney, former chief executive of Comhairle, Paul Harrison, national childcare specialist at the HSE, and Gerry O'Neill, the HSE's national manager with specialist childcare responsibility.

The HSE said subject to no unforeseeable impediments, the investigation is expected to be completed within six months, when the final report will be published.

Children's Minister Barry Andrews, who has received the preliminary review, said he fully supported the detailed independent investigation.

He said Ms Gibbons' wealth of experience will provide the investigation with a reservoir of knowledge and will significantly add to the independence of the inquiry. "Every member of society must remain ever-vigilant to the signs of child abuse and neglect," he said.

"Any lessons to be learned from this appalling case will be acted on with the utmost urgency.

"I am confident that the investigation will provide a comprehensive and transparent account of the way in which health services interacted with the family."

Barnardo's chief executive Fergus Finlay said it was crucial the investigation looked comprehensively at the steps taken to protect the children and where, if any, gaps in the system caused a failure in that protection.

He said: "We must learn from this case to ensure that all vulnerable children at risk of neglect and abuse can be given better protection in the future.

"The lessons, however painful they might be, must be taken on board."