In response to M. Duffy's letter (UH July 10), of course social workers, Arthur McElhill's GP and any other professional involved with the McElhill/McGovern family, all had a responsibility for the care, protection and the lives of these five children.

Unfortunately, we are only too familiar with the outcome of this case – the tragic deaths of five innocent children in such horrific circumstances.

The Toner Report shows that the professionals involved in this case made a mistake. In my opinion, it should never have been closed considering the father's previous two convictions for sexual assaults on 17-year-old girls.

The people working on the McElhill/McGovern case had all the vital information they required, which would have, or should have, been enough evidence to place those five children in a safe environment. As it states in the Toner Report, Arthur McElhill was "high risk" prior to the Lammy fire.

Although, I do agree with the point M. Duffy made, "as a society, have we reached the ridiculous point where we attach all responsibility for the care and protection of children to one professional group."

My question is, should the responsibility for the care and protection of vulnerable children in today's society not lie, first and formost, with either parent, grandparents, aunties, uncles and extended family members and not forgetting social workers and the Trust?

These are the persons who should act in the best interests of the children at all times and be their voice, rather than putting the blame on Social Services when things go terribly wrong as in this case.

Unfortunately, Caroline McElhill's cries for help went unheard and unnoticed.

Disillusioned

(Name and address supplied)