The experiences in the programme had been those of a small number of vulnerable young people, she said.

Details of the child’s case are being reported for the first time after Mr Justice Barniville directed the easing of stringent reporting restrictions in the proceedings.

Norma Foley was responding after the agency’s chief executive Kate Duggan said several children went missing from Tusla’s care every day.

Gardaí fear the Co Louth boy, who would now be eight years old, may have died in 2022

The Children’s Committee reviewed the Barnahus model for tackling child sexual abuse on Tuesday.