Dr. Maeve Doyle:

-----I think she was talking about the fact that the person had probably experienced a lot of abuse in life and family disruption. I suppose my view would be that we as society had failed that young person and indeed her parents. The question would be whether that child was in voluntary care - that is placed there with the agreement of the parents. If that was the case they would be guardians, likely, or may have applied for guardianship if separated and they would have to be consulted. If on the other hand it was involuntary care, then the HSE is in loco parentis. My understanding is that the HSE would apply for that from the panel and whatever decision the panel made would carry on. Is that okay?