The Child Protection Unit at Tallaght Garda Station
called at the family's home
DNA tests have proved that a seven-year-old girl
taken from a Roma family in Dublin on Monday is
their daughter.
The family said they were "delighted" that their
daughter had come home.
They also said they would be taking legal advice, and
that serious questions have arisen over the procedures
used in the case.
The blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl had been removed by
police from her Tallaght home and taken into
temporary care.
The family have supported calls from human rights
group Pavee Point for an independent inquiry into the
investigation.
In a statement issued through their solicitor the family
said: "Her removal has been a cause of huge upset to
her parents, her brothers and sisters, and the young
girl herself.
"They now intend to concentrate on looking after their
family and, in particular, in trying to reassure their
daughter that she will be left in their care.
Distraught
"Our clients also wish to say they do not believe that
what has happened to their family over the few days
should ever have happened.
"They do not accept that this was any proper or
sufficient basis to take their daughter away from them.
"They believe that there are very serious questions
arising about the procedures used in this case but are
going to wait for things to settle down and consider
their position and that of their daughter in light of
recent events and will be taking legal advice in respect
of this."
A 21-year-old sister of the child, who can not be
identified for legal reasons, said their mother had not
eaten for three days because she was so distraught.
"Everyone was very sad," she said. The sister added she
hoped no other family would have to go through a
similar ordeal.
Report
Meanwhile, a two-year-old boy from a Roma family
who was briefly taken into care in County Westmeath
has been reunited with his parents.
The boy was taken from his family on Tuesday in
Athlone and returned a day later.
Alan Shatter, the Irish minister for justice, said he will
be asking the Garda (Police) Commissioner for a report
on the two cases.
A Garda statement said: "Protecting vulnerable children
is of paramount importance to An Garda Síochána and
we continue to work in partnership with the HSE
(Health Service Executive) and other agencies to ensure
children's safety.
"An Garda Síochána want to assure the community that
we take extremely serious all reports received from
members of the public concerning child welfare
issues."
The Irish police action took place against the
background of international interest in the case of a
blonde-haired child being taken from a Roma family in
Greece last week.
Greek police are investigating whether the girl had been
abducted.
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