Court puts baby into emergency foster care after parents found in car 'intoxicated on drink and drugs'

Limerick District Court heard this evening that Gardaí received an allegation from an anonymous tip-off on Wednesday night, that an infant boy was travelling in a car with his parents, who were both intoxicated on drink and drugs.

Sergeant Gary Thompson, Newcastle West Garda Station, told the court that when he arrived at the scene, in a town in Co Limerick, he found the baby's mother and father were both drunk.

"Both mum and dad were extremely intoxicated," Sgt Thompson said.

"There was a strong smell of alcohol on them both. They both had glazed eyes, and they were behaving in an erratic and unreasonable manner."

Sgt Thompson said he also smelled cannabis on the boy's parents.

Giving evidence, the mother admitted she had a "drink problem", but denied taking drugs.

She admitted consuming "two glasses of wine" last Wednesday after remaining sober for five months previously.

"I had a slip," she told the court.

Social services became aware of potential issues last November, after the mother, who was seven months pregnant, allegedly presented at hospital with raised alcohol levels in her blood.

Una Kissane, a social worker with Tusla, told the court there was a "serious risk" to the baby if he was allowed stay in his parents care.

"The only place for (baby) is in general foster care, in order to ensure his safety," she added.

Sgt Thompson said gardaí were forced to take the mother into custody last night, as she was "a danger to herself and others".

"I had serious concerns for the safety of the infant," Sgt Thompson added.

Sgt Thompson said he took custody of the infant by invoking Section 12 of the Childcare Act, believing there was an immediate and serious risk to the health or welfare of the baby.

He brought the baby to University Hospital Limerick where a medical check was carried out.

The mother broke down in court as she pleaded with the judge not to order her son be placed into care.

"The medical people have seen him and he is not neglected. He has been with me every day since he was born, and he is thriving," she told the judge.

"I know I'm a good mother. I know I can look after my son," she added..

The woman alleged that a member of her husband's family said she would be willing to care for the baby and it would mean she would receive an extra €350 in social welfare.

Prosecuting solicitor, Muiris Gavin, said the court had to invoke the care order as it had heard evidence that, "something serious would happen to put the child at significant risk" if the infant stayed in his parents' care.

The child's grandmother told the court she would look after grandson while her daughter received help for her alcohol dependency.

Judge O'Leary granted the emergency care order for a period of eight days.

"I find as a matter of fact there is an immediate risk to the child," the judge said.