The Child and Family Agency has apologised for what it says were unacceptable shortcomings in the care of a teenager who spent much of his life in state care before dying of a drug overdose.
Danny Talbot – who was called Luke in this report – died of a drug overdose at 19, after being in foster care from the age of 10 and later being placed in a residential unit and an emergency homeless hostel.
A report from the National Review Panel found there were serious weaknesses in management and accountability within the HSE around the case.
It finds there was an inadequate response to evidence he had been abused and neglected as a child, his needs were never properly assessed throughout his life and his placements were not matched to his needs.
The Director of Policy and Strategy at the Child and Family Agency Tusla, Paul Harrison, says there were considerable shortcomings in supporting and protecting this vulnerable young person.
