Deasy defends call to go public on Bray case

WATERFORD deputy John Deasy last night defended his decision to air the case of tragic teenager Michelle Bray, who died after sniffing aerosol gas.

Mr Deasy had called for an inquiry into the death after revealing the HSE had an order to put her into care but failed so to do.

Yesterday the family of the Dungarvan 14-year-old issued a statement, saying no one had consulted them about whether they were happy with the HSE’s role.

“The family are beset by grief and having just buried Michelle on Wednesday they were very hurt and disappointed to find her name making national headlines,” said the statement.

“On no occasion has the family been consulted by any individual or body, nor their views sought as to whether they were happy with the service they received from the HSE.”

Last night Mr Deasy stood by his actions, saying he had been contacted by social workers concerned about Michelle’s welfare before her death. He had also written to the HSE with the concerns.

The Fine Gael deputy said the case raised important issues relating to the way the HSE operated with regard to Michelle as well as other cases.

“This issue is also about social services and the systems within the HSE and the fact that recommendations were made and were not followed through.

“There is also the broader issue here as I believe there was a systematic failure which may affect many more children within the system,” he said.

Following intervention from Health Minister Mary Harney and Children’s Minister Brian Lenihan, the HSE is to stage an inquiry into the death.

Michelle was with friends late on Sunday when she inhaled gases from a deodorant can near her home in Dungarvan.

She fell unconscious and an ambulance was called for but she was pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor after efforts to revive her failed.

Michelle was buried three days later and her death hit the headlines when Mr Deasy called for an inquiry into the tragedy.

In a statement issued through family solicitor Paddy Gordon, the family also criticised media reporting of the case.

“Although Michelle’s death was tragic and untimely, her family were not even given the time and space to grieve for their loss due to an invasion of media interest. The family now wish to be allowed to grieve in private and that she be allowed to rest in peace,” the statement said.

Mr Gordon said the family had never sought to raise in public the issue of the death of Michelle, who was the youngest of five brothers and sisters.

“They are pretty upset about the coverage.

“They have had it thrust upon them and they just want to be left alone,” he said.