A senior government official has controversially claimed potential candidates for top-level jobs are being frightened away because of the level of scrutiny they will be subjected to by the media and Dáil committees.

A charities umbrella group has claimed that less than 5% of voluntary groups have signed up to strict transparency rules to prevent another CRC or Rehab crisis because of “government inaction” on the issue.

The ISPCC has warned that its 24-hour Childline service is at risk because of plunging donations since the Central Remedial Clinic and Rehab controversies hit the charity sector.

The ISPCC is warning that its 24 hour support service 'Childline' is in jeopardy.