Ireland Judge grants vaccination order for boy in care in Dublin
A disabled 15-year-old boy in full-time care with Tusla since age four was granted permission to receive a Covid-19 vaccine against his mother's wishes. The boy, who has a mild-to-moderate intellectual disability, told his dedicated social worker he wants the vaccine so he can go out to town and the cinema again. His GP stated he is at risk of serious and potentially fatal complications from Covid-19. On 22 October 2021, Judge Mary Larkin at the Family Law Court in Dublin granted the order to Tusla under Section 47 of the Child Care Act, over the mother's objection.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court22 Oct
2 reports - Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- A disabled 15-year-old boy in full-time care with Tusla was granted permission to receive a Covid-19 vaccine against his mother's wishes.
- The boy has a mild-to-moderate intellectual disability and has been in full-time care with Tusla since he was four after a full care order was secured in 2010.
- The boy's GP stated he is at risk of serious and potentially fatal complications from Covid-19.
- The boy told his dedicated social worker he wants the vaccine so he can go out to town and the cinema again.
- The boy is currently not vaccinated and rarely goes out unless in a car or to respite carers three afternoons a week.
- In court
- Judge Mary Larkin at the Family Law Court in Dublin granted the order to Tusla under Section 47 of the Child Care Act.
- Other details
- The boy's mother was opposed to him being vaccinated.
- Judge Larkin stated that at the boy's age the voice of the child in court proceedings must trump the view of others.
11 statements extracted from the articles
- whatA disabled 15-year-old boy in care was granted permission to receive a Covid-19 vaccine against his mother's wishes. (rte.ie)
- whatThe boy's GP stated he is at risk of serious and potentially fatal complications from Covid-19. (rte.ie, thejournal.ie)
- whatThe boy has a mild-to-moderate intellectual disability. (rte.ie, thejournal.ie)
- whatThe boy has been in full-time care with Tusla since he was four after a full care order was secured in 2010. (rte.ie)
- whatThe boy is currently not vaccinated and his life has become extremely limited since March 2020. (rte.ie, thejournal.ie)
- whatA second GP stated the boy's medical problems render him more susceptible to complications from Covid-19. (rte.ie, thejournal.ie)
- whatThe boy rarely goes out unless in a car or goes to respite carers three afternoons a week. (rte.ie, thejournal.ie)
- whatThe boy gets very angry with his foster carers because he finds his life very limited. (rte.ie)
- whatThe teenager has been in full-time CFA care since he was aged four. (thejournal.ie)
- courtJudge Mary Larkin at the Family Law Court granted the order under Section 47 of the Child Care Act. (rte.ie)
- courtJudge Mary Larkin at the Family Law Court granted the order to the CFA under Section 47 of the Child Care Act. (thejournal.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 22 Oct2021Judge gives go-ahead for Covid-19 vaccination of boy (15) against wishes of mother
First report of the Family Law Court decision granting the CFA authority to vaccinate the child.
victim, 15, malesuspect, female - 22 Oct2021Judge rules boy in care can receive Covid-19 vaccine
Reports the Family Law Court ruling by Judge Mary Larkin granting Tusla authority to vaccinate a 15-year-old boy in their care under Section 47 of the Child Care Act, over the mother's objection.
victim, 15, male