The overseas placement of Irish children will continue, writes Noel Baker. It’s time to ensure the ‘before’ and ‘after’ services deliver.

TWO-THIRDS of beds at a centre for the State’s most troubled children remain unfilled, but staff and management say huge progress is being made at the troubled facility.

ALLOWING unqualified and inexperienced staff look after the country's most vulnerable children will increase the risk of violence to workers and young people at the Ballydowd centre, union officials warned yesterday.

LONG-AWAITED residential care places for troubled children will be provided in the next month, Minister for Children Brian Lenihan confirmed yesterday.