Board set up care plan for woman

A wide range of appropriate services was made available to address the needs of the woman who was found dead close to Dublin city centre, according to the Northern Area Health Board.

The 18-year-old woman, who had applied to the High court last year to seek suitable care and accommodation for herself and her two children, was found dead in a laneway last Thursday. It is believed she may have died of a drugs overdose.

The young woman, who had special needs, had been living in a house provided by the health board, whose managers were accused of failing to do enough for her. Labour's equality and disability spokeswoman, Ms Jan O'Sullivan, called for an inquiry into why the needs of someone "as vulnerable as this young woman were not catered for".

She also believed there was a broader question about people who were "technically adults" but who could not be expected to be responsible for themselves.

However, in a statement late last evening, the board said its staff worked very closely with the woman whose two small children were now in foster care. It expressed "in the strongest possible terms its deep regret" at her death and it was a matter of "great sorrow to the board and particularly to those who have worked closely with her over the past few years".

The NAHB said it did not comment in detail on individual cases but a number of issues had been raised. "Following a change in the woman's, circumstances a revised care plan was developed during 2000 following several months of detailed assessments and consultations," the board said.

It explained that with a care plan, the person, her carers and social workers were consulted. The plan involved addressing her long- and short-term needs and "their own wishes must be taken account of". It did not regard bed-and-breakfast accommodation as an appropriate placement and said such arrangements were only used in emergencies. A broad range of child and family support services were being developed which would obviate the need for such accommodation.

Father Peter McVerry, who works with young homeless people, said an independent board to work with young people was needed, as recommended by the Task Force on Homelessness.

He did not know the particular circumstances of this young woman but pointed out that "there are two people a week dying from heroin overdoses".