GARDAÍ are not “being used as virtual social workers” at night time, the office of the Minister for Children Barry Andrews has insisted.

GARDAÍ have sought a meeting with Minister for Children Barry Andrews to discuss their ongoing concerns about “not being trained or resourced to act as virtual social workers” to children who require out-of-hours emergency foster care placements.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) complains that the country out-of-hours emergency services for vulnerable children is “shambolic”.