HSE admits to failing two youths who died in their care

The Health Service Executive is admitting that it significantly failed in the provision of services to two young people who died while in the care of the State.

The HSE has today published the reports into the deaths of 17-year-old David Foley and 18-year-old Tracey Fay who both died from suspected drug overdoses.

The HSE is to carry out a review to determine if disciplinary action against certain staff is appropriate.

Over the last 10 years, 23 children who were in State care or had received care have died - some of natural causes.

Today, the HSE published two damning reports into the organisation's handling of two cases where significant deficits were found in the care provided.

The reports conclude the HSE failed to adequately address the care, protection and accommodation needs of the two vulernable young people.

Phil Garland, the HSE Asistant National Director of Children and Families, said the recommendations in the reports have been acted upon.