The number of suicides among young people known to social services doubled last year as waiting lists for mental health care worsened.
The 2014 findings of the National Review Panel - an independent investigation group set up by the Government in 2010 - uncovered an ongoing series of failings in child welfare and protection services.
There were 26 deaths of vulnerable teenagers and children last year - the highest since 2010. Eight took their own lives, compared with four in 2013.
Eight died from natural causes, but five were killed in traffic accidents, one died of an overdose, and two were murdered.
A review of 12 child deaths found one suicidal girl was unable to access psychiatric help just days before her death.
Helen Buckley, chair of the review group, said it found that alcohol, drug abuse and domestic violence were issues in half the cases.
Other serious problems uncovered were parents suffering from mental health or intellectual disability.
Source: Eilish O'Regan, Irish Independent, 27/03/15
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