The Department of Health has asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of a troubled 14-year-old Co Waterford girl.
Michelle Bray, from Dungarvan, Co Waterford, died on Sunday evening after inhaling some of the contents of a deodorant can.
The Irish Times reported yesterday that the HSE was warned more than a year ago that the girl's life was in danger unless she was placed in residential care.
Minister for Health Mary Harney yesterday said a full inquiry had been sought from the HSE regarding its handling of the girl's care. A spokesman for the HSE confirmed that an internal review would take place, but was unable to say whether it would be carried out by local staff or HSE officials from outside the area.
The teenager, according to social work and Garda sources, had been involved in risk-taking and violent behaviour in the three years prior to her death. Following a deterioration in her behaviour in late 2004, a decision was made at a case conference to place her in residential care for her safety and the safety of others. However, this never occurred.
After being contacted by concerned social work sources, Fine Gael TD John Deasy warned the HSE in November 2005 that it was "reasonably likely" the girl might die or cause the death of others unless residential care was found for her. Mr Deasy, who said he did not get a response to this request, said yesterday that only an independent inquiry into the case would be acceptable.
"There was a systematic failure here which has much wider implications for other at-risk children," he said.
In a statement, the HSE indicated that Mr Deasy's warnings had been acted on.
The local health manager for the Waterford community services area, Dermot Halpin, said residential care had been considered but it was not considered appropriate after her behaviour began to stabilise.
"As a result of the HSE's intervention in the situation facing the Bray family in 2004, despite what would have been well-founded concerns on the part of individuals, matters had settled down considerably throughout 2005," the statement said.
"At no time was residential care as an option ruled out."
However, Garda sources say she continued to come their attention regularly in 2005 and 2006.
