The country's child and adolescent mental health services need to be fully staffed, to avoid vulnerable children being placed in adult psychiatric units.

A new report reveals 83 children were placed in adult psychiatric units despite stated guidelines forbidding it.

The report by Dr Susan Finnerty, assistant inspector of mental services, found that more than 40% of the youngsters were aged 16 or under.

Fianna Fail's spokesperson on children, Deputy Robert Troy described it as a damning indictment of our child protection system.

He said more trained staff members are needed for child and adolescent health services.