A garda helicopter was deployed in a recent incident whereby a vulnerable minor subject to a High Court secure care order was a passenger in a stolen vehicle, the court has heard. Highly troubled and vulnerable children aged 11 to 17 can be detained in a secure care unit, known as special care, on foot of a High Court order sought by Tusla. Of the existing 26 beds across the State’s three special care units, just 15 are operational due to severe difficulties recruiting and retaining staff. 'Unacceptable'On Monday, Mr Justice John Jordan, who manages the High Court’s special care list, reviewed the cases of the five children who are without a special care bed. The judge said Tusla’s non-compliance with special care orders was “completely and utterly” unacceptable.

Source: Irish Examiner January 13, 2026 18:35 UTC