One of the country's largest health boards should be independently investigated for failing to protect a troubled teen in its care, according to both Labour's Liz McManus TD and Fine Gael's Olivia Mitchell. They say the teenager was not protected from a 37-year-old man who wanted to get her involved in lap-dancing or prostitution.
It was the second time that the board failed to care for her properly, as sources have confirmed that the girl, now 17, was the same girl who had had "an inappropriate sexual relationship" with one of the board's male staff. The board made the admission earlier in the year.
The man who had this relationship went to the UK after he was reported to his bosses and the DPP did not have enough evidence to extradite and prosecute him.
The girl's case is before Mr Justice Kelly tomorrow. Last week he jailed the 37-year-old man for two weeks for contempt after the man breached an earlier court order to stay away from her.
The 37-year-old told the court he went to a house where she was staying after she phoned him. However, when he got to the house, which was rented specially for her by the board, she was in the company of her social worker who did not know who he was.
Ms McManus, Labour spokeswoman on health, said: "It is astounding that this could happen and deserves investigation. It would be better if it was an independent investigation rather than the health board investigating itself."
Ms Mitchell also called for an investigation and protocols to be put in place. She said: "If this is true it is extraordinary - the prime duty of the health board is to protect children from the influences that put them in care in the first place."
The girl's family supports the call for an independent investigation.