The ‘ship has sailed’ for accountability in the Grace case, the Ombudsman for Children has said following the final report of the Farrelly Commission.

Only 36 per cent of people are aware that people who were not born in Ireland can foster, while 36 per cent of people are aware that people over 55 can foster.

HIQA found that many children continued to experience significant delays in receiving a social worker-led service.

An internal audit report by Tusla found the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control systems over cash allowance payments at its office in Airside Business Park, Co Dublin, was 'unsatisfactory'.

HIQA has released a new report, detailing its monitoring of children's services over the last 10 years.

Ms Justice Nuala Jackson said it is clear the brothers have achieved a “clear sense of stability” with their foster parents

The accused was aged between 14 and 17 at the time of the offending, while his victims were aged between nine and 13 years old.