I’ve just finished reading the so-called T.F. Report. Miss F was a young woman who tragically died while supposed to be in the care of the State, specifically the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Not only did Miss F die while in the care of the State, the report is a damning litany on a system that is supposed to guard and protect vulnerable children. From the age of three social workers were aware of credible allegations of physical, emotional and sexual abuse of Miss F. Despite this fact, she was repeatedly failed by the people charged with protecting her.

While also in the care of the HSE Miss F worked as a child prostitute and became pregnant on at least two occasions.

She eventually died of a drugs overdose aged just eighteen after repeatedly being let down by social services.

What’s even more disturbing is the fact that she was not alone. At least 20 children have died while in the care of the HSE in recent years. At the same time, more than 400 children have gone missing from State care never to be found again. Charities believe at least some of these children are now working as prostitutes.

Yet, despite all of this, there is still no culture of accountability among social workers. In one abysmal incident documented in the case of Miss F a social worker dropped the child off at a Dublin shopping centre because the social worker’s shift was coming to an end. Has any disciplinary action been taken against this errant social worker? Will we ever see any resignations from those who recklessly endangered children like Miss F?

The simple answer is ‘no’. Social workers and other care professionals are protected by powerful vested interests and public service unions.