Gardaí and social workers face probe over handling of Roma child cases

Gardaí and social workers will be legally obliged to answer questions on their roles in the removal this week of two children from Roma families as part of an independent inquiry.

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter yesterday gave the Ombudsman for Children Emily Logan additional powers to interview any members of the Garda, even though her remit is limited to the HSE.

Under provisions of the Criminal Justice Act, Mr Shatter said he would appoint Ms Logan to conduct an inquiry.

"This will ensure that she has available to her the statutory basis which will enable her to proceed as she deems appropriate and is in a legal position to access all information that she may require from An Garda Síochána, " he said.

“She is already vested with all legal powers required in respect of any engagement she may undertake arising out of these matters with the HSE.”

The decision marks a shift from earlier this week when the Government had proposed that Ms Logan would review internal reports drawn up by both the Garda and the HSE.

Instead, she will now be able to launch her own inquiry and, if necessary, compel witnesses to answer questions.

Ms Logan yesterday said these additional powers were necessary in order to conduct a thorough investigation.

“As always, I intend to conduct an independent, impartial investigation from first principles. I will not be rubber-stamping the reports of other agencies. However, I appreciate that it is good practice for those agencies to conduct their own, internal investigations and make reports.”

The two internal reports from the HSE and the Garda, meanwhile, are due to be completed within a fortnight.