Justice Minister Alan Shatter (pictured) has ordered an independent report into the removal of two Roma children from their families.

Reports yesterday suggested that there have been at least five other cases in the last year of children being taken from their families on spurious grounds.

Mr Shatter’s report comes alongside inquiries to be conducted by Children’s Ombudsman, Emily Logan, who has said she is to conduct her own inquiry, a Garda report into their own conduct and a HSE report commissioned by Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

He said on RTE Radio’s Morning Ireland today the report will examine the “background circumstances” in the cases and “the procedures that were followed”.

Procedural changes in any such future cases may have to be implemented, he said.

Mr Shatter admitted that concerns over the children’s’ parentage were “unfounded”, but he said he had “no doubt that gardai acted in good faith”.

“The gardai and the HSE have been criticised in some cases for not acting as speedily as they should… they’re damned if they do and they’re damned if they don’t.”

Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, Mr Shatter said he had had preliminary discussions with Ms Logan over her proposal to investigate the issue.  

He said the Department of Children had also been in contact with the ombudsman, who would independently examine what occurred and be free to raise any questions. She would also speak to the parents of the children, the Irish Times reports.

He said the Garda authorities “will co-operate fully with any inquiries she may make and fully respond to them” and the same would apply to the HSE.