Minister Shatter receives the report of the Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the taking into care of the children of two Roma families – Garda Síochána Act 2005 (section 42) (Special Inquiries Relating to Garda Síochána) Order 2013 –

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter TD, today received a report from Ombudsman for Children, Ms Emily Logan on her inquiry into the circumstances surrounding two children from two different Roma families being taken temporarily into care in October 2013. The Minister will now read and consider the contents of the Report.

Ms Logan has informed the Minister that she was required to make an application to the District Court for the lifting of the in camera rule with respect to proceedings relating to one of the children concerned prior to her submission of this Report to the Minister. She has also informed the Minister that the District Court has indicated that there would be a requirement for him to make a separate application to that Court before he can proceed with publication of this Report.

Minister Shatter is making the necessary arrangements for such application to be made and is seeking the advices of the Attorney General in relation to this and any other issues that may arise in relation to the publication of the Report.

Speaking today the Minister thanked Ms Logan for her work in conducting this important inquiry.