The Children's Ombudsman has raised concerns that hundreds of children with disabilities in state care are not receiving the right supports.

Dr Niall Muldoon says the systems of co-operation between Tusla and the HSE for dealing with vulnerable children are not up to scratch.

Issues around co-ordination of supports and services were highlighted in a report his office published last year.

That report was issued after a foster carer made a complain about the level of supports and services being provided to Molly - a child who was born with Down Syndrome and severe autism.

Dr Muldoon explained: "We found that there was a lack of co-ordination between Tusla and the HSE which meant that services and supports provided by both organisations were insufficient.

"Neither agency saw Molly as both a child in care and a child with a disability."

A year on, the Children's Ombudsman has found that "definite progress" has been made, particularly for Molly - but warns that not enough has changed for other children.

Dr Muldoon observed: "The working relationship between Tusla and the HSE, and the impact that this is having on the welfare of children with disabilities who are in State care, is still of concern.

This year, Tusla identified 483 children with special needs in state care - and Dr Muldoon explained that one of the problems is that the HSE doesn't agree with that figure.

He noted: "There's no consensus between them because they haven't agreed the definition of moderate and severe [disability].

"That's something from our point of view that is very disappointing, and also something we feel shouldn't be happening at this stage.

"One year on, they should have a database that allows them to understand who those children are and what their needs are - but we're still a way off getting that yet."

The report concludes it's "essential" that the working relationship between the two agencies improves so all children in state care with disabilities are helped to reach their potential.