A report into the quality of the welfare system for children in Carlow and Kilkenny has found delays in getting help from social workers contributed to a deteoriation in some parents' ability to care for their children safely.

The report from HIQA finds that while there are good systems in place in the two counties the outcomes for children are poor.

Social workers in Carlow and Kilkenny dealt with over 1,100 reports of concern for the welfare of children in the 12 month period from October 2011 to 2012.

Inspectors found a significant number of national standards were not met. They also noted the workforce had not received up-to-date training and there was no robust case management system.