Roma family to receive €60k damages over son’s removal
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A Roma family whose son was removed by gardaí overnight because of unsubstantiated claims that he may not have been the family’s biological child has won €60,000 in damages.
The High Court in Dublin heard that the blonde-haired child was removed in October 2013 amid heightened vigilance after a couple in a Roma camp in Greece was accused of abducting a young blonde girl.
The child was returned within 24 hours after DNA tests confirmed he was the biological child of his family.
Peter Bland SC, counsel for the family, argued that the child’s removal under Section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991 was unwarranted and “overzealous”.
The parents sued the Minister for Justice, the Garda Commissionerand State for alleged negligence, false imprisonment and infliction of emotional harm.
Mr Justice Paul McDermott said he was satisfied with the damages of €60,000 and agreed a small payment could be made immediately to allow the purchase of a computer for the child’s use.
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