An allegation of abuse against a staff member in a children's home run by the Protestant charity, the Smyly Trust, is being investigated by the East Coast Area Health Board. The staff member concerned is on leave.
A spokesman for the board confirmed yesterday that the investigation was taking place. In a statement the board said: "Following a complaint received by the management of Smyly Trust Homes concerning a staff member, and relating to incidents which were alleged to have occurred over 15 years ago, an investigation is being carried out by the East Coast Area Health Board.
"The staff member is currently on leave pending the outcome of this investigation, which the board hopes to have completed soon."
It is understood the allegation was made recently by a young man who was resident in one of the homes several years ago. It is also understood that so far the Garda is not involved. However, it is normal for the health boards to involve gardai if they find evidence a criminal offence was committed.
The Smyly Trust runs two residential homes, one for boys and girls and one for boys only. While up to 80 children lived in each of these homes in their heyday, they now have only a handful of residents. There are eight in the mixed-sex home, and six in the boys' home, which now houses adolescents.
The East Coast Area Health Board contributed more than £700,000 to the running of the homes last year, according to its spokesman.