9,000 children waiting on social care

New figures show more than 9,000 children at risk or suffering from neglect or welfare concerns are waiting to be allocated a social worker.

The Child and Family Agency reports there were 3,250 high priority cases over the summer waiting for a response.

The agency's Chief Executive says their funding is 10% below what's required to provide the current level of services.

"That would be to meet what's expected of us at present to make sure every post was filled," said Gordon Jeyes of TUSLA.

"With new things coming down the line - the new legislation, the so-called mandatory reporting - we could be talking another €60m on top of that."