The case of the 13 year old boy who was left hungry on the streets of Cork was scandalous but not unusual, according to Sister Stanislaus Kennedy of Focus Point Ireland.
"While legislation has been in place for the care and protection of children since 1991 there is little or no provision on the ground, in terms of a proper system of care for young people and children who need care. Children as young as 11 are ending up on the streets, in unsupervised bed and breakfast accommodation, in Garda stations and in squats. This is becoming the norm," she said.