Special care service for girls to cease operating

A centre for some of the country’s most troubled children is to cease operating as a special care unit for girls, after a report outlined how gardaí had been called to assist staff, and children had been pepper-sprayed and handcuffed.

Gleann Alainn near Cork City is one of four special care centres around the country, with children placed there by High Court order. Tusla admitted difficulties in securing staff for the specialised units.