Child protection - We shouldn’t jump to wild conclusions

There have been widespread calls for an inquiry into the manner in which the two Roma children were taken by gardaí from their parents in Dublin and Athlone while their parentage was being checked out.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter has asked for a full Garda report into the background and circumstances of the two cases, and Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald has asked the Health Service Executive to carry out a separate report that will be given to the Ombudsman for Children.

“It’s only right and proper that we get a detailed report on what exactly happened here,” Taoiseach Enda Kenny stressed yesterday. He also emphasised the importance of ensuring that people are not linking race with the welfare of children. There are various facets to the case that should be examined.