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Solicitor for wards issues ‘public interest’ statement

The general solicitor for minors and wards of court Marie Claire Butler has clarified that extensive submissions were made on behalf of ‘Grace’, , but these were not included nor in any way referred to in the final report on the matter.

The general solicitor is High Court-appointed and is responsible for the legal, personal, and financial affairs of ‘Grace’, the intellectually and physically disabled girl allegedly subject to extensive sexual and physical abuse while in foster care.

In a short statement issued yesterday, in relation to the recently published Commission of Investigation report into the alleged  abuse, the general solicitor has confirmed that the girl was represented by senior counsel, junior counsel, and a solicitor, during the various dates that were permitted by the Commission. 

This legal team made "considered and extensive submissions" to the commission on behalf of Grace, it adds.

Yesterday’s statement was being brought to the attention of the media in the public interest, the general solicitor said.

The commission of inquiry, chaired by sole member Marjorie Farrelly SC, was established in spring 2017 and asked to examine allegations of physical, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as disputed claims of a cover-up.

Absence of oversight

The €13.6 million commission did find evidence of financial abuse and absence of oversight and monitoring of the girl, who lived at the home for more than a decade when other placements ended because of safety concerns.

The commission did not find that ‘Grace’ had been subjected to sexual or physical abuse or make findings against several named HSE and then health-board officials responsible in the case.

The 200-page report did find a failure in the HSE duty of care to the girl.

Yesterday’s statement from the general solicitor reads: “Prior to the publication of the final report of the Farrelly Commission, the legal team appointed by the general solicitor made considered and extensive submissions to the commission on behalf of ‘Grace.

Not included

“It appears that these submissions have not been included nor referred to in any way in the report.” 

The general solicitor added that, due to the confidential nature of wardship, the matter could not be discussed further.

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Norma Foley said that a meeting would be arranged with the general solicitor to discuss her concerns.