Almost 35,000 children referred to child welfare services in just six months

'How many were not referred to Tusla because they were at home, as per the government restrictions.' said Peadar Toibin TD. File picture: Collins

Nearly 35,000 children were referred to child protection and welfare services in the first six months of last year.

That included 250 children who were reported to Tusla amid suspicions they might have suffered sexual abuse along with 728 children who teachers suspected had suffered physical abuse.