Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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94. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the interaction she has had with Ombudsman for Children since receiving the internal Health Service Executive and Garda inquiries into the removal of Roma children from their families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53841/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Ombudsman for Children Ms Emily Logan has initiated an investigation of the actions of the HSE in relation to these cases under provisions of the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002. The Ombudsman for Children has also agreed to undertake an investigation of An Garda Síochána's actions, under Section 42 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.

I can confirm that I have received reports in respect of each of the cases from HSE Children and Family Services. The reports have been referred by my officials to the Ombudsman for Children Ms Emily Logan, for her consideration. The Ombudsman for Children is an independent statutory authority and will independently assess the actions of the HSE.

In respecting the independent investigations of the Ombudsman for Children, which will now take their course, it would be wrong of me to comment in detail on the cases or the reports received from the HSE. I look forward to the conclusion of the process and to the independent findings of the Ombudsman for Children, once she reports on her investigations.