A children's commissioner must be appointed to look after the interests of young people in care, the Assembly has been told.
Dr Joe Hendron appealed for extra funding to address the state of residential accommodation. He said there were only eight secure care places for such children. At least 115 places were needed, he said.
Health Minister Ms Bairbre de Brun later pledged to do all she could to secure funding to increase residential places for children. She said that, while she was unable to commit her department to establishing a children's commissioner, the Executive would look at the success of similar posts in the Republic, England, and Wales.
