New 'Children's Czar' to be appointed

Ongoing failures in the management of Ireland's childcare services have prompted the Government to create a new post to take responsibility for the area.

With a title of National Director of Childcare Services, the appointee will have similar powers to that of Tom Keane, the so-called 'Cancer Czar'.

The new 'Children's Czar' will also help prioritise how €536m available for child and family services is spent.

Officials hope to make the appointment shortly.