Damned if they do, damned if they don’t

The Baby A case underlines the need for better resources for social services, and more research into causes of vulnerability in children

Baby A was 24 hours old when it was taken from its mother by gardaí and social workers at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin Pic: Getty

On November 7 last, at 7.35pm, three gardaí and two social workers approached a new mother in the Rotunda Hospital, with a warrant to take her baby. The baby was just over 24 hours old.

The mother, who was carrying the baby, became distressed, and then “aggressive and intimidating”. Those attending became worried she would drop the baby. Eventually, after 45 minutes, they decided to take the child from her by force. The ...