Published: Wednesday, 14th July, 2010 6:00pm

Youth sex assault claim probed

Gardai look into claim of assault on youth in care

Local Gardai are investigating allegations of an assault in Athlone on a youth who was in the care of the HSE.

Recent national media reports stated that a 17-year-old girl, who was on a HSE-supervised holiday in Athlone, made a complaint that she had been sexually assaulted by an older man.

The incident is alleged to have taken place in the vicinity of the Hodson Bay Hotel on June 29 last.

The teenager reportedly claimed that she had been supplied with alcohol by the man before the pair moved to the neighbouring Athlone golf course.

Afterwards the girl was said to have made the assault allegation to her care workers, who in turn contacted the Gardai.

It's believed that an area around the 16th hole of the golf course was examined by Gardai during the course of their investigation.

When contacted by the Westmeath Independent yesterday (Tuesday) Athlone Sergeant John Lawless declined to comment on the details of the incident.

He simply stated that Gardai were investigating an incident in the vicinity of the Hodson Bay Hotel in relation to a youth in the care of the HSE.

Sergeant Lawless added that the Gardai had spoken to a number of individuals in relation to the matter, and that ongoing enquiries were being made.

The alleged incident comes after a series of recent controversies relating to individuals under the supervision of the HSE, the most prominent of which was the case of Daniel McAnaspie who was found dead in Meath three months after disappearing from State care.

When contacted yesterday, the HSE said it could not release information in respect of individuals in care.

It issued a statement which read: "From time to time the HSE takes young people in care placements away for short-breaks or for recreational reasons. This is done within the agreed care plan for the young person and in their best interests.

"Adolescents in care, whether in their usual care placement or in another location as part of a planned break, are appropriately supervised by care/social workers. Supervision is in place appropriate to their age and circumstance."

The HSE said it was "concerned that there is a view emerging that children, and particularly older adolescents in care, should not have the same supervision and liberty as their peers who are not in care but consistent with their vulnerability."