Minister defends inquiry into Roscommon abuse case

Children’s Minister Barry Andrews has defended the inquiry set up to investigate the case of six children who were abused and neglected by their mother in Co Roscommon.

Last week, the 40-year-old woman was jailed for seven years after pleading guilty to the incest, neglect and abuse of her children.

The Government has set up an inquiry into the matter, but speaking in the Dáil last night, Fine Gael TD Alan Shatter said the investigation could not be considered independent when two of the four people on the team are members of the HSE.

Mr Andrews, however, said he had full confidence in the investigation.

The chair of the inquiry, Barnardos advocacy director Norah Gibbons, has also issued a statement insisting that her team will undertake its task with the seriousness and independence that it warrants.