THE HIGH COURT yesterday heard an urgent application from Tusla, the child and family agency, in relation to a child described as a “very vulnerable” minor.

The application was heard by Mr Justice David Barniville, the President of the High Court, who gave orders under his wardship jurisdiction on an urgent basis to secure the protection of the minor.

The minor was represented in these proceedings by a guardian ad litem and by solicitors and counsel. The HSE was also represented.

Guardians ad litem are independent experts appointed by the President of the High Court to give children in care a voice in any wardship proceedings.

The court directed that the hearings be in private under section 45 of the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Act 1961.

The court made a number of orders on an urgent basis under its minor wardship jurisdiction to secure the protection of the minor and listed the case for hearing again today.

This afternoon the court heard from a number of other parties including the minor’s parents.

The court continued and varied the orders made yesterday to further secure the protection of the child, and listed the case to reappear in court next Tuesday.

The judge initially said the proceedings today would be heard in private, but following an application from newspaper publishers and RTÉ he lifted reporting restrictions in part.