New accounts filed by Fostering First Ireland Ltd show that the firm enjoyed the jump in pre-tax profits after revenues increased by 10%, from €5.7m to €6.3m, in 2015.

One firm has received €28.8m from the HSE for providing private foster care over the past four years, new figures show.

An appeal has gone out to people living in Cork for more foster parents to provide a safe and nurturing home for vulnerable children.

CHILDREN are having to remain in special care units instead of being placed with foster families because of lengthy waiting times for Garda vetting.