Foster father charged with possession of drugs worth €830,000

A foster father with previous convictions who has applied to foster a second child appeared in the High Court yesterday, charged with possessing drugs worth almost €830,000.

The Irish Times reports that the man was arrested following a high-speed chase through a housing estate, after which his van was found to contain cannabis, cocaine and a "head shop drug" along with a shotgun and ammunition.

The man's court appearance follows reports last week that many foster families are not vetted by the Gardaí.

The Health Service Executive has said that almost 88% of foster parents have received clearance, including Garda vetting.