The Health Service Executive (HSE) has ordered a review of the services provided to a girl (14) who died after inhaling from an aerosol can last month.
Michelle Bray from Dungarvan, Co Waterford, died on January 20th after inhaling some of the contents of the aerosol can.
The Irish Timesreported following her death that the HSE had been warned more than a year previously that the girl's life was in danger unless she was placed in residential care.
In a statement today, the HSE said that as part of its review of service provision to the teenager, it has asked Dr Harry Ferguson to carry out an external review.
Dr Ferguson is Professor in Social Policy and Social Work with the University of the West of England in Bristol. He has worked at UCD, UCC and Trinity College Dublin and has carried out research in the areas of child welfare and protection.
Dr Ferguson, a qualified social worker, will undertake a review of the HSE's involvement in the case and prepare a report with "such recommendations as may rise," the statement added.
"The HSE extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Ms Bray," the HSE said in the statement.
Minister for Health Mary Harney said last month a full inquiry had been sought from the HSE regarding its handling of the girl's care. The HSE confirmed at that time it would seek an external review.
Ms Bray had reportedly been involved in risk-taking and violent behaviour in the three years prior to her death. Following a deterioration in her behaviour in late 2004, a decision was made at a case conference to place her in residential care for her safety and the safety of others. However, this never occurred.
After he was contacted by social work sources, local Fine Gael TD John Deasy warned the HSE in November 2005 that it was "reasonably likely" the girl might die or cause the death of others unless residential care was found for her.