New Figures Raise Concern About Substance Abuse Amongst Children

More than 1,000 children were treated in hospital for drug and alcohol-related illnesses last year.

According to freedom of information figures, over 63 per cent were girls.
762 were aged between 10 and 17, and 264 were less than nine years old.

Meanwhile The chairman of Tusla says losing a ministerial position dedicated to child protection would make children "invisible".
It's been reported the Minister for Children's cabinet seat could be used to create the role of a minister for higher education.

There's already been strong criticism from outgoing minister Katherine Zappone and retired Supreme Court judge Catherine McGuinness.

Tusla chairman and former Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte says it would be a backward step