Ombudsman probe into outsourcing of childcare services

The Ombudsman for Children is investigating the contracting out of residential childcare services by the Child and Family Agency to the private sector.

Outgoing ombudsman Emily Logan said the sector was costing €60 million and that the issue was about “accountability” rather than ideology.

Ms Logan was speaking as she takes up leadership of the newly established Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. The IHEC combines two state agencies, the Irish Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority.