Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

There are very few similarities but they were to be published at the same time. The TF case report has been published. I have been informed that the family of DF is not entirely comfortable with the publication of the report in full.

In reply to Deputy Burton's question, the report is 65 pages long. It is reasonable to expect we will do a review of the older cases where no action was proposed. We could do that and examine the recommendations and make a report to the House on that.

A special care order should have been recommended for TF. That is what is recommended for children displaying the most challenging and at-risk type of behaviour. A special care order would be appropriate to try to stabilise the situation and then a step-down to high support and residential care and foster care. That is the correct approach rather than placement in a bed and breakfast which is completely inappropriate.

It is worth pointing out that the kind of recommendations that emerged from the TF case have been acted on. Reference is made in the Ryan implementation report to multidisciplinary assessment teams for special care and high support. We have gotten rid of bed and breakfast accommodation for children in care. We have introduced transfer protocols to address a very serious problem. We have ensured that care plans are not only prepared but they are also updated regularly.

The Baby P case report was never published. They have that problem in the UK as well. It might never be published. An executive summary was published and that was the extent of it.

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