Sir, The report on the Kelly Fitzgerald case has highlighted the failure of the State to protect this particular vulnerable child. People were so shocked at this tragedy that an inquiry was held and we were told repeatedly that lessons had been learnt and the system had been improved to prevent another similar occurrence.
However, each night in Dublin, homeless children are being told that no accommodation is available to them and that they will have to sleep rough. Some nights up to 20 children are seeking one of the six beds available. In some cases, children are being left on the streets for several months' without any possibility of accommodation. The Eastern Health Board has no plans to ensure that care and accommodation is available to all children who need it.
When one of these homeless children is found dead some morning, having been refused accommodation the night before, no doubt an inquiry will be held and we will be told repeatedly that lessons have been learnt. Yours, etc., SJ, Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice, Upper Sherrard Street, Dublin 1.