Sinéad O’Connor has condemned the Irish state after the death of her 17-year-old son, Shane.
The singer announced the news of her teenage son’s death on Twitter in the early hours of 8 January, writing: “My beautiful son, Nevi’im Nesta Ali Shane O’Connor, the very light of my life, decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God.
“May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby. I love you so much. Please be at peace.”
Shane had been reported missing two days before his death. O’Connor had previously said Shane was “on suicide watch” at the Tallaght Hospital in Dublin.
In a new series of tweets on the evening of 8 January, O’Connor has fiercely criticised the Irish health service HSE, the child and family agency Tusla and the Irish state overall.
“26 hours after my son died in the so called care of the Irish State in the form of Tusla, I have yet to receive any contact from Tusla or their representatives. I was informed by Gardai of my son’s death and later I spoke with the GAL [guardian ad litem, a court-appointed guardian who represents the best interests of a child]. No contact from Tusla is unacceptable,” she wrote in her first tweet.
O’Connor later posted: “I have now formally identified the remains of my son, Shane. May God forgive the Irish State for I never will.”
The “Nothing Compares 2 U” singer added: “Now tusla want to discuss with me ‘a media release’ no doubt wishing to have me join in their efforts to make this death of my child seem like it wasn’t at the hands of the Irish State.”
Other tweets called the Irish state, Tusla and the HSE “evil” and “self-serving”. See the rest of the posts below.
The Independent has contacted Tusla for comment.
In a statement released to The Independent, a HSE spokesperson said: “The HSE cannot comment on individual cases when to do so might reveal information in relation to identifiable individuals, breaching the ethical requirement on us to observe our duty of confidentiality.”
Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial
If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, the Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to befrienders.org to find a helpline near you
