A young boy who was ordered to be detained in a children's centre in Wicklow may have been sexually abused while in its care, a High Court judge has said.
Mr Justice Kelly said he regretted having ordered the boy's detention at the Lakeside Community Children's Centre, Blessington. He had later discovered that the premises was being run by a security firm, and had immediately discharged his order.
"It would appear from the evidence I have heard that during the time he was there some form of sexual abuse is alleged to have taken place and is being investigated," Mr Justice Kelly said.
Ms Valerie Mawe, a social work team leader in community care, told Mr Justice Kelly that the matter was being investigated by both the Garda and health board agencies.
She was giving evidence in a successful application by Ms Carmel Stewart, counsel for the Northern Area Health Board, to have the boy detained at Ballydowd Special Care Unit.
Mr Justice Kelly said it was fortunate for the boy, who is now 13, that a place had become available for him in Ballydowd.