Gardaí have launched an investigation after a 14-year-old girl gave birth to a baby. The baby is the girl’s second child.

Garda sources said she became a mother for the first time aged 12 years and again got pregnant about one year later.

The girl, who is not from the Republic, has not yet been discharged from hospital after the birth of her second child.

The 14-year-old mother is a member of a minority ethnic community in which young children giving birth is not regarded as unusual.

In similar cases in the past, prosecutions have not arisen despite the births being investigated by the Garda.

Gardaí have visited her in hospital and their investigation is focused on who the father of the two children is.

Age of consent

Because the girl is under the age of consent, the case is one of statutory rape irrespective of the age of the father.

The father could be prosecuted even if he is also under the age of consent.

Garda sources have confirmed the child and family agency Tusla has applied for a care order for the new baby, which has been granted.

The same sources said while the Garda team investigating the matter was liaising with Tusla, it had launched its own investigation and a file would be prepared for the DPP.