Pilot scheme for vulnerable children used 29 times

A pilot out-of-hours scheme for vulnerable children needing social work care has been used 29 times in seven months in Cork.

The pilot service commenced in Cork last September and ran until April 10, while a similar pilot was carried out in Co Donegal in 2011.

While just eight calls were recorded in Donegal, 29 were recorded in Cork, indicating a possible need for the service to be established full-time.