Deaths of 27 children and young adults not out of kilter to elsewhere, says Jeyes

THE HSE director for children and family services has said the death in the last year of 27 children and young adults who were either in state care or known to child protection services was “not out of kilter” with figures elsewhere.

Seven of the deaths were due to suicide, three of which occurred this year, four were drug overdoses and two were homicides, the HSE said.

A further seven died of natural causes, such as diseases, four died in road traffic incidents and three in other accidents.