State blamed for care deaths

The Government has been accused of failing to implement a series of recommendations from a damning 2012 report into the deaths of 196 children and teens in State care, described by Taoiseach Enda Kenny as a “litany of shame”.

Fianna Fáil children’s spokesman Robert Troy made the claim after weekend reports that all but one of the recommendations have been fully put in place.

The graphic Child Death Review Group report was published in June 2012 in response to concerns over the deaths of vulnerable children and teens such as Tracey Fay and Daniel McAnespie.

The 500-page document said that in the previous decade 196 children died in State social services, including 112 from “non-natural” causes.

The report specifically called for an independent child death review unit; legal after-care requirements; care plans for all children; designated social workers; improved early intervention; and a clear implementation plan. However, three years on, it is alleged that only the requirement for the creation of Tusla has occurred.

Mr Troy said the “inaction” makes it “increasingly obvious” Government is still failing to prioritise the safety of 6,000 children in care.

He said Tusla is “chronically under-funded”, that out-of-hours services still do not exist, and “almost 500 children still have no dedicated social worker”.

Children’s Minister James Reilly rejected the claims.

A spokesperson said that 92% of children in care now have a dedicated social worker.