A child in state care is injured each day

A child in residential care is injured every day, according to data which also indicates many of the injuries result in hospital treatment.

Figures released to the Irish Examiner by the HSE show that, in the 18 months to the end of 2012, there were 562 injuries sustained by children in residential care. Of these, 308, or 54%, needed hospital or GP care.

Barnardos chief executive Fergus Finlay said the figures were “very concerning” and queried whether the new Child and Family Agency would receive a “hospital pass” when it assumes control of the care system in future.