Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 277: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) has been the subject of administrative proceedings over the past year or more which come under the ambit of Article 12 of the UN Convention on the rights of the child; if there are [i]prima facie[/i] conflicts of interest on the part of Irish State parties who to date have been involved in the case, as against the interests of the child; if the person is entitled under the aforementioned conventions to be independently represented; if such entitlement exists in respect of the current administrative proceedings, and therefore is not contingent on any judicial proceedings being brought in the future, such as in relation to the persons adoption or citizenship; if the Attorney General will apply to the High Court for an Order appointing an independent representative for this person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18881/05]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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This is a most complex and highly sensitive case. The Government is actively engaged in seeking to find a solution. At all times the best interests of the child have been, and will remain the primary consideration.

High Court proceedings against the adoptive parents of this child have been instigated by the Attorney General in his role as protector of the unprotected. As the matter is before the court it is not appropriate to comment further.