Families and friends of children who died in the State’s care system today called on the Minister for Children today to remove the responsibility for childcare from the Health Service Executive.
At least 21 vulnerable young people have died while in the care of the State over the past decade, many in controversial circumstances.
In a march to Leinster House today, dozens of protesters carried images of young people who, they say, died as a result of health system’s failure to provide them with proper care and support.
There images included those of Danny Talbot (19), David Foley (16) and Tracey Fay (18), as well as banners with slogans such as, “Take childcare away from the HSE”, “How many more will die?” and “Minister, where are your reports into child deaths?”. Protesters also wore t-shirts with the images of young people in care who have died in recent times.
Sandra Lamb and her sister Donna, who organised the march, said the protest was aimed at highlighting the plight of “forgotten children”, as well as others who remain at risk.
Their nephew Danny Talbot (19) died in recent months from a suspected drugs overdose. He spent most of his life in the care system and was in receipt of aftercare from the Health Service Executive when he died.
“There are so many vulnerable young people out there at risk, but no one seems to be listening,” said Sandra Lamb.
“This march is for all those who have been forgotten by the health boards and for those who haven’t got a voice and still aren’t being heard.”
The protesters were also seeking to remove responsibility for childcare from the HSE, ensure that reports into child deaths are published and call for an inquiry into the handling of Danny Talbot’s case.
Minister for Children Barry Andrews had a private meeting with the protest organisers in Leinster House following the protest.
One of the protesters outside, Patrick Doab, 62, from Ennis, Co Clare, who was carrying a placard calling for the release of a report into the death of Tracey Fay. “I’m here to lend my support to this. There’s no accountability in the health system. People deserve answers when the system fails,” he said.
