Child agency new start after years of failure: Kenny

Taoiseach Enda Kenny pledged that the Child and Family Agency would not be just be “going through the motions” but would transform the way Ireland treats vulnerable youngsters.

Launching the organisation, known as Tusla, Mr Kenny said it represented a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to reform child protection services.

However, Fianna Fáil said a lack of key personnel put children at risk as figures showed just 30% of posts for the child and adolescent mental health services have been filled, and more than 200 social work posts remain vacant even as child referrals rise.