The High Court has indicated it will allow gardai to release a photograph of a teenage girl who is believed to be a victim of child trafficking.

Gardai say they are at a deadlock and facing a brick wall in trying to identify the girl who was placed in care after she was found wandering in Dublin city earlier this month.

Genevieve Coonan BL for the gardai, told the court police have pursued 80 lines of inquiry in a bid to identify the girl. They believe their only remaining chance of making a breakthrough in their criminal investigation is by seeking public assistance.

They need the court's permission to issue a photograph, because the Childcare Act of 1991 prohibits minors in care being publicly identified.

A judge can relax the law if it is considered to be in the child's interest.

Tim O'Leary SC for the Health Service Executive (HSE), said social workers are concerned that issuing a photograph of the girl will have a disturbing effect on the teenager.

However Felix McEnroy SC, for her legal guardian (guardian ad litem), said it was the guardian's view that it is in her best interests to release her photograph because delays in identifying the girl could in itself damage her welfare.

The girl is currently being held in a hospital. Her detention in a non-secure facility is being challenged by the girl's legal guardian (guardian ad litem) but the issue of her accommodation will not be dealt with by the court until next Thursday.

Mr. Justice George Bermingham today expressed concern that the teenager is blocking a bed that is badly needed. The judge was told the girl has tried to leave the hospital on a number of occasions.

Mr. McEnroy said the minor is very pleased with the court's involvement and had remarked on it in a letter inviting the court to assist.

Mr. Justice Bermingham said he expects he will make an order allowing the release of the girl's photograph on Monday. He hopes the intervening days will give the girl time to settle in and become comfortable with HSE staff.