Ms Clare Murphy:

The Senator has asked a number of questions. She asked about interagency co-operation. From the first time we get a referral, we liaise with the HSE. At the ground level, the social worker liaises with the public health nurse, the speech and language and occupational therapists. From that level up, there are different layers. Where a social worker is liaising with the public health nurse, there is what is called a professionals meeting held, which includes the attendance of representatives of the HSE. There is sometimes a child protection conference, which has representatives of the HSE. At every juncture of a child's life, we are continually liaising with the HSE and other external providers.

Under the joint protocol, we have different levels of engagement which go from the granular level of the principal social worker, PSW, and the area manager to the CEO. There are different levels of engagement. We have built-in systems whereby we are communicating with each other all the time. That is the first thing to say.

The Senator asked about the breakdown of the different types of care we provide. We have 482 children in foster care. There are 259 children in residential care. I think 12 children are currently in special care. When the Senator asks about special care, does she mean that in terms of High Court-directed special care or special emergencies?