No accountability on ‘Grace’ case

In the ‘Grace’ foster home case we have a report costing €500,000. It names nobody and states the obvious. A commission of inquiry is to follow.

Child neglect and child abuse are crimes on the statute books the last time I checked.

We have a police force that investigates such crimes if committed by individuals but seemingly not when State agency employees are involved.

A HSE spokesman was quick to point out that certain individuals are now retired and not subject to any action. An incredible statement. He waffled on about people’s good names, etc.

A crime is a crime is a crime. Everybody and anybody involved in this case over the years must be questioned and arrested if necessary by our police force.

Who knew/did what and when, etc, must be established and a file sent to the DPP, which may or may not lead to prosecutions.

If not, a comprehensive explanation from the DPP must be forthcoming.

Those caring for children and those in senior management positions must realise that they will be held criminally responsible for acts of omission, neglect, abuse and basic incompetence leading to same.

Reports and tribunals have been used for many years by politicians in lieu of criminal investigations into very serious matters of corruption and child neglect and abuse. Why is this? Many children have died in the ‘care’ of this State.

It is a national disgrace. Joe Dixon Ratoath, Co Meath