The Children's Minister James Reilly has ordered a review of the operation of so-called 'single separation' in children's residential care facilities across the country.

It follows a HIQA report that raised concerns about the isolation of children in locked rooms for long periods at the Ballydowd Special Care Unit in Dublin.

Officials from HIQA visited the facility unannounced in July, after someone raised a concern about the practice of 'single separation'.

That practice is supposed to see a seriously disruptive young person isolated 'for as short a period as possible' to give them an opportunity to regain self-control.

However during their inspections at Ballydowd, officials found that some children were locked in rooms for unnecessary prolonged periods, some had no access to toilet facilities or showers and some remained overnight in secure rooms without mattresses.

Responding yesterday, Tusla - the Child and Family Agency - said it accepted that the processes underpinning the use of single separation were not adequate.

The agency expressed regret over this and said it is currently taking steps to strengthen its decision making procedures and facilities.

Mr Reilly says he is very concerned about the findings of HIQA's inspection report.