Childcare injury incidents total 3,422

There were 3,422 incidents last year in which children in care or their carers were injured. These included 784 cases where medical attention or first aid was required.

More injuries to both young people in care and to staff occurred because of incidents, rather than accidents, but children are more likely to come to harm than their carers.

The data, released under Freedom of Information, is split into three categories: special care, in which a small number of young people are placed each year; Tusla or voluntary placements; and private centres.