Children could still be placed with foster carers who should have been deregistered, according to a report into Tusla’s fostering services in Cork, which also highlighted other risks.

The Office of the Ombudsman is investigating Tusla’s handling of child sexual abuse allegations.

A record number of children were referred to Tusla’s child protection and welfare services last year, even as the Child and Family Agency struggled with a €5.1m budget deficit.