Seven children from a Co Donegal family were taken into health board care last night as gardaí continued their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of their seven-year-old sister last week, writes Eithne Donnellan, Health Correspondent
The children, two boys and five girls, aged between five and 17 years were taken into care by the gardaí.
They are now in the care of the North Western Health Board.
The move follows the death last Wednesday of their sister Rhona Young. She collapsed on Tuesday night while being taken to Letterkenny General Hospital with what her mother described as flu-like symptoms.
Her condition deteriorated in hospital and she died the following evening after suffering cardiac arrest.
Meningitis was initially suspected as the cause of her death, but was later ruled out.
A post mortem was carried out in Dublin on Thursday by the Deputy State pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy, but it proved inconclusive.
Detectives carried out a forensic examination at the child's home in Leck Cottages, a small housing estate on the outskirts of Letterkenny. They spent about three hours in the house and took away a number of items.
The second youngest of eight children, Rhona was a first class pupil at Ballyraine National School, which closed early yesterday for her funeral service and burial. One of her sisters delivered the eulogy.
It is understood the health board will today apply to the District Court for an emergency care order in respect of the seven Young children.
The case is likely to be heard in camera.