Over 130 babies under 12 months taken into care

On average, more than 130 babies under the age of one are taken into care annually.

By the end of 2015, there were 121 babies in care; 139 in 2014; and 136 in 2013.

The figures were released by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone in response to a parliamentary question by Independent TD for Tipperary, Mattie McGrath.